Kenichi Yatsuhashi was not ready to countenance any prickly press behaviour and duly walked out of the post-match briefing after Thursday's Ghana Premier League tie in Accra.

The Japanese-American had been rankled about persistent questions about the same topic - the availability of star midfielder Samudeen Ibrahim. The player, again, did not feature in the game, despite reports that he has recovered from the injury he sustained on matchday one.

Hearts had lacked creativity, directness and were generally in need of a spark all game long.

"Generally, we were very, very slow. In the second half we played better but it was too late to get back into it," he conceded when asked what led to the team's loss.

But when journalists asked why he did not field Samudeen - a question he has answered at every press conference in the last two weeks - the coach simply had had enough.

"Samudeen is not fit, if he is ready you will see him on the bench," was his initial answer.

But another journalist issued a follow-up on the same question, to which the gaffer retorted, "Hey I won’t answer this question again because every week I have been answering the same question." 

Kenichi had also been peeved about the positioning of an Accra-based journalist who was supposed to be seated away from the press table, but was perched at the edge - which was too close to him for comfort (as shown below). 

Yatsuhashi had asked the journalist to move back - “Hey shut up and move from my side, go to the front. Move!” 

 But the journalist would not budge.

Hearts skipper Robin Gnagne, Liberty Professionals' skipper Samuel Sarfo and coach George Lamptey however stayed on.

Liberty's win was merited, with a first half goal from winger Issah Shaibu ensuring three points.

Hearts are now second on the table with 25 points, behind Wa All Stars on goal difference. Next up for the Phobians is a trip to Dreams FC.

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Presser image credit: Senyuiedzorm Adadevoh/Images Image