By: Bernard Nyankomago Yeboah

Date: 02-06-11

Goalkeeping Trainer, Joseph Carr, has urged Kotoko faithful to calm their nerves over the team’s recent unimpressive performances.

In a chat with Kotoko Express, Joe Carr said the technical staff would work hard and bring the team to good shape for the next season.

He said they have identified where the team falls short and would bring in players to suit those areas to ensure that Kotoko becomes stronger for next season.

“I want the supporters to be patient because we are disturbed with our recent results. We will do everything possible to return the team to winning ways” he said.

The 2010/11 football season has not been easy for the Porcupine Warriors at all. Though the team had an impressive pre-season preparation against both lower and premiership sides, Kotoko have struggled to maintain a consistent form since the season commenced.

In the first round for instance, the team managed only five wins, three draws and seven losses out of 15 games.

Kotoko started the second round on a very good note but the team’s performance in the last four games leaves much to be desired.

After the 2-2 draw with Heart of Lions in match  26 at Kpando, Coach Bogdan Korak and his boys returned to Kumasi and drew goalless with Ashgold in the 27^th week fixture. They shockingly lost 0-2 to Tudu Mighty Jets in match day 28 in Accra before losing again 2-3 to Liberty Professional last Sunday.

Asked what has changed the fortunes of the club all of a sudden, Joe Carr only apologized for the disappointment caused and gave the assurance that things would improve in the final game against Medeama at Tarkwa.

In his response to the assertion that the goalkeepers have not been up to the task this season, Joe Carr admitted they have performed below average on some occasions but the blame cannot be attributed to them alone.

He has however promised to rectify any lapses in the post to ensure that they will come back strongly in the remaining matches and the FA Cup.   

On the MTN FA Cup Joe Carr observed that his side stands a good chance of winning the trophy at stake having survived the scare and threat posed by Kpando Heart of Lions in the quarter finals.

“All the teams that have qualified to this stage are good but looking at the determination among our boys, I am confident Kotoko will emerge winners at the end of the day” he noted.

Coach Korak and his boys have been quite impressive in the FA Cup since it bounced back this season. They beat Nungua based division two side Danbort FC 3-0 at the round of 64 and later on defeated Deportivo 3-2 at the round of 32.

Kotoko triumphed over Aduana Stars 11-10 on penalties at the 1/16 stage before sending Heart of Lions packing at the quarter finals last Wednesday in Kumasi.

The former Kotoko safest pair of hands warned any team that will cross Kotoko at the semi finals to prepare for  a tough task.