We are working on defensive frailties – Dramani

Asante Kotoko Coach, Didi Dramani has said he was preoccupied with fixing the frailties in his team’s defence as the champions step up preparation for their participation in the CAF Champions League.

Dramani told GNA Sports that “The priority now is to have a complete team, with emphasis of fixing the frailties in our defensive set up. We recognize the amount of work that must be done and we are committed to it.”

Kotoko, on Sunday lost 0-2 to AshGold in a friendly match at the Baba Yara Sport in Kumasi, and Dramani admits his charges’ display put extra spot light on the measure of work that must be done.

“The team is still a work in progress and everything we do is aimed at improving the squad. The boys appreciate why we must work extra hard always for our common dream of building a completely solid team.”

Kotoko have for the last four months played 32 matches, winning 21, drawing eight, losing three and finding the back of the net 93 times.

Of the 32 matches, Kotoko recorded six victories, four draws and three defeats in 13 high profile games, while recording eight wins, and four draws in the category of medium profile matches.

Having conceded 29 times in the 32 outings which include seven victories in seven low profile matches, Dramani insists the obvious fatigue that is beginning to permeate in the team’s play was expected.

“Judging from the number of games played thus far, it is clear that fatigue will begin to show up because if we were playing the league, we will have been nearing the end considering it will have been the same number of matches making up the season.

“While I am not interested in making excuses, I understand the dynamics of what is happening to the players because of the number of matches played within this period and how that will have played out if the league was on.”

Dramani has led Kotoko to two successful titles plus the FA Cup since joining the team two seasons ago.