Standard of Ghana Premier League has dropped - Kotoko coach

Asante Kotoko coach Zdravko Lugarusic claims Ghana Premier League's standard has fallen compared to his first stint in the country.

The 52-year-old previously handled Kotoko's city rivals King Faisal and regional rivals Ashanti Gold between between 2009 and 2011.

''There is stagnation in the level of football in Ghana,'' Lugarusic told sportscrusader.com.

''Clubs from Ghana used to dominate in Africa club competitions and world football, but it is not like it used to be.

''When I was here as a coach for the first time, the U20 won the Fifa Youth Championship because the standard of football was very high but they are now struggling [to even qualify].

''I want to see the new generation rebuild the lost image,'' he added.

Lugarusic's side came from behind to defeat Liberty Professionals 2-1 in the opening day of the season on Sunday. However, a section of the supporters were critical of his adopted 3-5-2 formation but the Croatian says his players are gifted to execute it perfectly.

''Some people are making so much noise about the formation I want to play with Kotoko. Ghanaian players are gifted and so wherever you fix them they will be able to play well.

"So many Ghanaian players ply their trade in Europe's top competitions. They play with different tactics or formations for their respective clubs."

Kotoko will travel to Berekum to lock horns with Berekum Chelsea next weekend at the Golden City Park.