Rainer Kraft Focuses on Building Mental Resilience at Accra Lions
Accra Lions head coach Rainer Kraft has admitted the challenges his young team is facing this season but remains determined to strengthen their psychological resilience as they battle to secure their place in the Ghana Premier League.
Since replacing Tanko Ibrahim, Kraft has managed to instill new life into the team, guiding them to four consecutive home victories, including an important win over Medeama SC. Despite these positive results, he is fully aware of the mental hurdles his squad must overcome.
“They have an average age of 18-something, so mentally, psychologically, this is the thing we have to work on most to make them strong,” Kraft said during a post-match interview. “You don’t have to be afraid. Nothing happens when you lose a game. It’s just a game. Be brave, go forward, don’t be shy.”
The German tactician highlighted that for many of his players, this season marks their first experience of fighting relegation, which adds significant pressure to their young shoulders.
“Most of them have never been in such a situation because they were the best in their teams. Now they are battling relegation, which is hard. I know that as a player. It puts high pressure on them, and they have no experience,” Kraft explained.