Agent of Zachariassen- Zachariassen did not alone do selection against San Pedro in Abidjan
Asante Kotoko were shocked with a 2-0 defeat in the hands of San Pedro at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium last Sunday.
This means Kotoko were eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup on 2-1 aggregate after they had struggled to win the first leg in Kumasi 1 goal to nil.
Kotoko’s drop down to the Confederation came after the Kumasi based club were beating 3-2 in the 2019-2020 CAF Champions League by Etoile du Sahel.
There have been several allegations surrounding Kotoko’s elimination from the two CAF Inter Club competitions, and the recent and most popular now is the starting eleven paraded by boss Kjetil Zachariassen.
Though Zachariassen starting eleven against San Pedro has been described as weak by club’s fans, the way and manner he is alleged of picking the first eleven on Sunday has built a high tension between the Norwegian and his officials.
It is believed that the Norwegian failed to consult his technical men during the selection of his starters against San Pedro on Sunday, as reported in the Ghana media.
However, the translator/manager of Kjetil Zachariassen Charles Kwadwo has given a clear definition of what went on during the time his client was making selection into first the eleven against the Ivorian side.
Charles came clearing the air after there have been so many tensions built around his client who took Kotoko’s job just five months ago.
When speaking to Silva FM Sports (Tuesday afternoon edition), Charles was asked about the truth in his client’s one-man decision into the starting eleven against San Pedro.
Charles said, “It has been 20 years now I have worked with Zachariassen, so I know him very well”.
“There hasn’t be a single time he (Zachariassen) has made his first eleven without the inclusion of his assistant coaches”.
“On Sunday against San Pedro, it’s never true that he made the selection alone, I know he discussed everything (those who will start) with his assistants”, Charles added.
“Sometimes during selection, he calls his assists together with club captain to decide and make sure everyone agrees over who starts or benched”, he concluded.
Charles was also quick to reflect on when Zachariassen would return to Kumasi after reports suggest that there is high tension between the coach and his supporters that is halting the Norwegian from resuming his duty.
When asked whether his client would return to his duty, Charles replied, “Yes Zachariassen would come to Kumasi, because he signed a three year contract, he will come and continue as coach of Kotoko”.
“For now, there is tension between him and the team”. “Let’s see whether he returns to Kumasi on Thursday”.
Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko broke camping on Tuesday to which they are expected to return to training in five days later.
