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The former Kotoko and Hearts manager has bemoaned the declining form of the two Ghanaian giants this season. Former Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko coach Ernst Middendorp says he is shocked by the dwindling fortunes of both clubs in the ongoing Ghana Premier League season. The Porcupine Warriors and Phobians have struggled to find their rhythms this term, with few matches left to conclude the campaign. Kotoko�s hopes of retaining the league title are very slim, as they sit at eighth position with 35 points, nine adrift of leaders Ashanti Gold, while Hearts of Oak battle relegation after managing 29 point in 25 matches and are now second from bottom table. Middendorf, who once coached the two sides, has expressed shock at the below par performances of the teams this season. �To be in a position near the relegation zone, knowing the history of both clubs is unbelievable,� Middendorp told Accra-based Atinka FM. The 56-year-old German last week confirmed he was in talks with Hearts� management, after leaving the outfit in 2004 and would relish the opportunity to retake the job. �I have been consistently following them because I have had a fantastic time at both clubs. They (Kotoko and Hearts) need a good spirit in camp and I am sure both clubs will bounce back. �However, I keep wondering what really is wrong with these two great clubs,� Middendorf said. The former Augsburg and Arminia Bielefeld coach managed Kotoko for three seasons and Hearts for a season. He is currently unemployed after terminating his contract with South African side Chippa United.