Asante Kotoko coach Barreto departs to Portugal

Asante Kotoko Coach Mariano Barreto has left Ghana for his home country in Portugal to renew his coaching licence.

A club statement released on Sunday evening indicated that the Portuguese coach was set to go for a renewal of his UEFA Pro License and set to return on Thursday, May 27.

”Our Head Coach, Mariano Barreto departs to his country Portugal and returns on 27th May 2021.

”The short trip is necessary to aid our gaffer to renew his UEFA Pro coaching license. Assistant Coach Pedro Manual will take charge of the team in the intervening period.”

Meanwhile, there are speculations that Barreto might not return to the club with sources saying he is unhappy at some developments at Asante Kotoko since joining.

However, the club has refuted those claims and insisted the coach has no such concerns and shall return on Thursday, May 27 as earlier announced.

The former Black Stars coach joined the Porcupine Warriors as a permanent replacement for Maxwell Konadu who was sacked in December last year.

In recent times, he has come under pressure in some quarters following his decision to drop No.1 goalkeeper Razak Abalora from the team which drew 1-1 with WAFA on Saturday, 22 May 2021.

Dropping points in that game cost the club their top spot in the Ghana Premier League despite tied on points with Hearts of Oak.

He has recorded 5 wins, 3 draws and a loss in the 9 matches under his watch.

The team will be without their head coach when they travel to Dormaa to face Aduana Stars in their next league fixture.

Assistant Coach Pedro Manual will take charge of the team in his absence period.