Hearts were eliminated from the Champions League qualifiers after a 6-0 aggregate defeat to Sturm Graz, their heaviest ever two-legged European loss. A 2-0 defeat at Tynecastle on Tuesday night sealed the drubbing, with Wouter Vrancken's side now dropping into the Europa League qualifiers.
Hearts' Champions League Exit
Despite controlling possession in both legs, Hearts were outclassed in both boxes as Sturm Graz scored their chances and the Jambos were wasteful. The result marks a troubling start to the season for new manager Vrancken, who had only four weeks of preparation with his squad.
Jordi Altena could not hide his disappointment, saying: "Just disappointed. I think we expected more from ourselves. We showed some good moments in both legs. At the end of the day, you need to score. And I think if you score, you make it much easier for yourself. That's what we didn't do."
Altena's Confidence Ahead of Premiership Opener
The Dutchman, however, remains confident that Hearts will be ready for Saturday's Premiership opener at Aberdeen. He said: "Very confident. I think we showed some good moments on Tuesday, also last week. We need to build on that, and I think we as a group are very confident to keep going."
Vrancken has been careful integrating new signings, with Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Calvin Miller, and Sabri Guendouz starting against Graz. With Amadou Ba-Sy, Tom Renaud, and Laurent Mendy pushing for places, and goalkeeper Beau Reus in line for a debut following Alexander Schwolow's departure, a different lineup is expected at Pittodrie.
Altena added: "It's been quite a change. For sure it's a new manager, so a new feel on the game, how he wants to play. Of course, that takes some time to sink in. But, again, I think we can do good things together, so I'm confident. We know what we're able to do and what we can do. So that's the base of everything."
