Hearts' coach ignores growing pressure

Hearts of Oak coach Kenichi Yastuhashi insists he does not feel under excessive pressure ahead of the start of 2016 Ghana Premier League season.

The Phobians surprisingly moved from title contenders to relegations strugglers throughout last season and finished 13th, only to be saved on final day by head-to-head rule and it lead to the appointment of the Japanese-American.

The club’s top hierarchy has called for the new coach to be given all the support needed after concerns of his coaching certificates and technical know-how were raised recently.

Nevertheless, the former Aspire Academy boss remains focused on the task at hand and says he's enjoying the pressure.

“I’m not feeling any pressure. Pressure is always there from day one and we are just coping with the pressure. I’m [even] enjoying the pressure,” Yastuhashi told Ghanasoccernet.

The 46-year-old manager also debunked reports in the local media, indicating that he’s not at peace with his backroom staff especially team manager Nii Sabahn Quaye. “We have excellent relationship [among us]. Our assistant coach is excellent. The team manager is excellent and we are working together every day,” he noted.

Hearts will travel to Dawu to play premier league side Dreams FC as part of the new entrant's programs to commission their refurbished Dawu Stadium on Sunday.

Hearts will open the league season with a date with Edubiase United at the Accra Sports Stadium before playing two away games against Medeama SC and Ebusua Dwarfs on Match day two and three respectively.