Hearts of Oak head coach, Aboubakar Ouattara, says no player would be begged to stay at the club ahead of next season.

The Ivorian trainer says the doors are always open to players who desire to depart the club as he looks to build a long-term project at the Ghana Premier League side.

The Phobians have reportedly parted with 17 players following the end of the 2023/24 season and continue to shake up their squad for an improved season.

The 2020/21 league champions finished in the bottom half of last season and Ouattara is determined not to repeat that.

"Hearts of Oak is bigger than any player," said the gaffer during a press briefing on Thursday, July 25, as he outlined his plans for the season ahead.

"If my wife said she doesn’t like me anymore, I’ll open the door for her."

Ouattara also emphasised the need for a project that would go a long way to ensure success for the side in the future.

"Hearts of Oak was created in 1911. It took almost 90 years to win the Champions League," he continued.

"Do you want to wait that long again for success? Our project is not just to win the league tomorrow; we want to be at the top."

After losing the inaugural edition of the Democracy Cup to Asante Kotoko, Hearts will have an opportunity for silverware when they face Heart of Lions in the Gbese Mantse Homowo Peace Charity Cup.