'I’m not making excuses about the pitch' – Eric Tinkler responds to Zito and Maxwell Konadu

Asante Kotoko head coach Eric Tinkler has responded to criticisms from experienced Ghanaian coaches Karim Zito and Maxwell Konadu over his concerns about pitch conditions in Ghana. Tinkler maintains that his focus is on the quality of football and entertainment for supporters, rather than making excuses for the condition of the pitches.

He argues that poor playing surfaces restrict teams from playing attractive football and force them to resort to long-ball tactics, reducing the entertainment value for spectators. Tinkler believes that football should be about providing an enjoyable experience for fans and developing players capable of competing at a high level, which can only be achieved through suitable playing surfaces.

Despite facing criticism from others, Tinkler stresses that his concerns should not be interpreted as an attempt to avoid responsibility for winning matches, but rather a commitment to entertaining football and player development.