Former Asante Kotoko coach Zdravko Lugarusic has expressed his surprise at reports that Hearts of Oak are looking to sack coach Frank Nuttal over claims of insubordination.

Reports went rife last week that the Phobians could show their head coach Frank Nuttal the exit after breaking the club's code of conduct.

The reports further stated that te Scotsman is responsible for the departure of key players such as Vincent Atinga, Thomas Abbey, Kwame Kizito as well as their reported target Asiedu Attobrah, who swerved the club to join Iraqi side Al Shorta on a six-month loan deal last month.

However, Lugarusic believes those reports are concocted to find excuses to sack the coach, whom he holds in high esteem.

"Frank Nutall is a good coach and he showed that last year so will be surprised if Hearts let him go, what is wrong with a coach helping a player who is free to get a club if he has the connection," Lugarusic told Oyerepa FM.

"He's not guilty of anything; some people are looking for excuses, it’s the club's job to renew the contract of players not the coach so he has done nothing wrong. People should not shirk responsibility."