Nsoatreman head coach Maxwell Konadu believes the challenges at Asante Kotoko are beyond just a coaching problem.

The Porcupine Warriors' struggles continued in midweek as they lost 2-1 to Konadu's side at the Baba Yara Stadium on Thursday.

The defeat leaves Kotoko in 10th position. They have lost five of their last six games in the Ghana Premier League with the other being a draw.

Prosper Narteh Ogum and his technical staff have come under strong criticism but Konadu says the challenges are just beyond the technical team.

"I don't believe it is a coaching issue. When the players play, it is clear that they are afraid," said Konadu in an interview with Akoma FM.

"The demands placed on the players appear to put them under additional strain. They lack the character required to play as a Kotoko player, which I believe is their issue."

According to Konadu, who won the league title during his time with the Porcupine Warriors, the current crop of players fails to perform under pressure despite boasting the needed qualities to play for the club.

He's called for fans to get behind the team in order to overcome what they are going through.

"This is the critical moment for the players to have the support of the media and fans. Much pressure from these stakeholders will not help matter," he continued.

"Instead, fans should support the technical team and playing body in order to turn things around. The players are not bad; none of them will be benchwarmers at any GPL club, but they appear to panic when playing.

"The players are not bad. None of them will be benchwarmer at any GPL club, but they appear to panic when playing."

The task doesn't get any better for Kotokoa who face Dreams FC, Samartex and Medeama in their next three games in the league.