The gaffer has been answering wide range of questions from the local media ahead of the first leg tie of the preliminary round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League match against Nigerian side Remo Stars FC on Sunday August, 20, 23.

Here are the major takeaways from the press conference held on Friday August 18, 2023 in Cape Coast.

Team News
“As I speak five weeks so far, we’ve had six competition games and looking comfortable with my set-up. We are prepared for the upcoming game on Sunday. Talking of injury situation, there are some minor knocks, but 99% of my squad are ready for Sunday’s encounter.

Opposition watch

One may not come out as a coach to demonstrate or brief the public as to how he plans or his knowledge about the opponent. We’ve observed their games. Recently I saw their games during a tournament in Nigeria. I have seen them severally and I have tapes of their games. Together with my team and the players, we’ve been observing. We’ve identified few points including weaknesses and strength. We’ve seen them and we’ve planned for them. Today marks the final leg of our preparations and we hope to make sure everything is set for victory on Sunday.

Disadvantage of playing at home first

As a coach, it’s all about setting your objectives right. Whether playing home or away first, all that I need to do is to make sure the expectation of getting to the next round is met. So, you look at your game plan, whoever or whatever you think can help you to qualify unlike thinking Ghana playing home first or away first. So, it’s about setting your objective right and ensuring players adhere to your game plan.

What to expect

It’s all about your game plan looking at your opponents. Looking at the opponent, they will come and sit back and come on a counter. I want to go all out. Medeama want to go all out. We’ve got to steal the show at the expense of the Nigerians who also share the same ambition of qualifying to the next round. So, believe me, you will see Medeama on Sunday! We are going all out so that the second leg will be a mere formality.

Pressure on Medeama

“No! There is no pressure on me or my team. Hearts is different from Medeama, Medeama is different from Kotoko. Set your objectives right, prepare your team well. Make sure you know your opponents. It’s a matter of making sure you qualify to the next round.

Playing away from home in Cape Coast

“Playing away from home or home from away is not important. I what I need and want is to see my team qualify and I am ever prepared to see Medeama sailing through to the next stage of the competition. One at a time! We are looking at Sunday’s game and we’ll strategise for the return leg.

New signings and how they fit into his system.

Too early to predict. All that I will say is that you will see most of my old squad on the field of play. Maybe one or two new players may come in at some point. But for Sunday, trust me, you will see a Medeama of last season.

Unavailability of Kwasi Donsu.

First no! Not even my captain who is sitting beside me. If he is not there, I need to fix in a player, who plays the same way or better. For Kwasi Donsu, I’ve received several questions coming from all stations. I need to make it clear here! Kwasi Donsu is bound to travel, He is travelling out of the country. He was supposed to have travelled last Wednesday but he is still in town. In the next week, Kwasi Donsu will be out of the country.

How to take Medeama to next level
Trust me, what is impossible for man is possible for me. Let’s take it one at a time. We are playing on Sunday. The next game is away. Whether we’re progressing or not, I will not come out with my target yet. Let’s qualify to the next round.