“We won’t change the way we play, but our defensive shape may change” - Tinkler on Samartex

Asante Kotoko coach Eric Tinkler says his side will maintain their playing philosophy when they face Samartex in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday, although he admits they may have to make defensive adjustments to deal with their opponents.Kotoko travel to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena in Samreboi for their third league game of the season, with Samartex expected to provide a difficult test after winning their opening two matches.Samartex, under new head coach Nana Kweku Agyemang, have shown a preference for possession-based football, with the coach also demanding a high-intensity press.Tinkler has studied the approach of his opponent but insists it will not force Kotoko to abandon their own game model.I think ultimately the way we approach our game is always we must play our brand of football, play our game model, but obviously defensively we need to adapt to what the opposition are doing, Tinkler told the club's media.The South African coach says the key will be making the necessary defensive adjustments without compromising Kotoko's overall approach.We don't change the way we play, but ultimately we understand that defensively our shape and our structure may have to change due to what the opposition are doing, he added.Kotoko head into the encounter on the back of a 2-1 victory over Bibiani GoldStars, their first win of the season after opening their campaign with a draw against newly promoted Debibi United.Samartex, meanwhile, have collected maximum points from their opening two games, including a late victory over Aduana FC in Dormaa.Tinkler will be hoping his players can maintain their positive momentum while successfully dealing with Samartex's possession game and high press in Samreboi.