Aboubakar Ouattara is the head coach of Hearts of Oak
Following his recent “I’m not Jesus Christ” statement, Hearts of Oak coach Aboubakar Ouattara, has made it clear that he won’t tolerate media criticism that crosses the line.
His response was a blunt reminder that while he accepts critique, personal attacks and unfounded assumptions won’t go unchallenged.
This is nothing new, Ouattara has a history of standing up to the media when he feels they have overstepped.
Here are some of the most memorable moments where Ouattara fired back at journalists.
1. “I’m not Jesus Christ” — responding to criticism
Ouattara has often been on the receiving end of harsh media scrutiny, but during an interview with Accra-based Hot FM, he addressed it head-on.
Frustrated with personal attacks disguised as criticism, he made it clear that he would not tolerate disrespect.
“If you come before me with the same attitude you used to insult me on the radio, I will respond accordingly. You came here with a personal opinion about me, not about the match.
“Nobody feeds anyone here, so say whatever you want. There are journalists who criticize me for a whole week without insulting me, and when we meet, I still speak with them because I know they’re just doing their job. But if you insult me somewhere and I hear it, or you stand before me and speak out of line, I’m not Jesus Christ, I won’t just let it go. I will respond.”
2. “Have I told you our ambition is to win the league?” — on title expectations
After a damaging loss to Bechem United in March 2025, Ouattara was asked about the team’s title ambitions.
Despite the media pushing the idea that Hearts of Oak could still win the league, Ouattara wasn’t interested in speculating.
“Have I told you that our ambition is to win the league? This is not Makola Market. There are 12 matches left, which means 36 points are still up for grabs. We’re playing the game, this is a league. Don’t judge now; let us finish the season first. On June 8th, we will talk about the league.”
Ouattara made it clear there’s still a long way to go, and premature judgments won’t change the course of the season.
3. “I need three points, not praise” — deflecting concerns over style of play
Following a hard-fought win over Medeama in April 2025, Ouattara was asked about the team’s performance, with some questioning the style of play despite the victory.
His answer was direct and to the point.
“Sometimes, I ask myself, what do you [journalists] want? When we win, the performance is not good. When we play well and lose, then you criticize us. Tell me the truth: what do you want? As for me, I need three points. If I get the three points, all this commentary is not my concern. The table is not about performance, we want three points.”
4. “Find the meaning of tactics” — responding to tactical criticism
In a tense moment after a 1-1 draw with Vision FC, Ouattara was asked about the team’s tactics, with some media members claiming that Vision FC had outplayed Hearts strategically.
Outraged by the question, Ouattara snapped back, entreating the journalist to research more about his question.
“Go and take your dictionary and find the meaning of tactics. Next time, come and ask me that question.”
Ouattara has built a reputation for standing his ground against the media, and his recent comments are just the latest example of his unfiltered approach.
Whether defending his tactics, challenging unrealistic expectations, or pushing back against unfair criticism, Ouattara has proven he won’t back down.
In the meantime, Hearts of Oak occupy sixth place on the league standings having won 45 points after 29 games.
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