Hearts fumbled a glaring European opportunity on Tuesday with a 4-0 defeat to Sturm Graz in Austria, and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see one major problem – the players. The loss has set out a Euro schedule that could see them tumble out of all three competitions before August is over.
Players to Blame
In this column, I've had a go at the board and managers, but rarely at the players. However, the blame on this occasion lies with those guys on the park. All that game came down to was Landy Kabore and Alexandros Kyziridis missing huge chances at one end and Kyziridis and Claudio Braga failing to properly mark their men at set pieces at the other.
The first goal was horrendous. Hearts must have known Jayland Mitchell has a long throw, but Kyziridis switched off and allowed Jon Stankovic a free run to outjump Jamie McCart and head home. The second goal was even worse. Braga let Mitchell run into the six-yard box and head in from one yard. That comes down to will, desire, a determination to be strong and aggressive.
Missed Chances
In between those two goals, Hearts could have scored four. They certainly should have netted two. Kabore works hard and makes great runs, but he's got to score that opportunity from 10 yards out. Kyziridis flicked it wide with the outside of his boot instead of putting his head down and smashing it.
At the elite level, Champions League qualifiers, the repercussions are huge. It's just a massive missed opportunity. I know the manager and players say the tie is not dead, but it's going to take a minor miracle in the second leg at Tynecastle now.
Recruitment Issues
The spine has gone since the exits of Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin, Beni Baningime, on top of injuries to Craig Halkett and Stuart Findlay. When it really mattered in defence and attack, Hearts were left wanting.
I like the manager Wouter Vrancken, the way he's trying to play – pure aggressive, up and at them. But they just look so vulnerable at times. He showed big balls by throwing on three attacking players at 4-0 down, but he needs better quality.
Need for Strikers
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realise Hearts need to sign a couple of strikers. They've lost Lawrence Shankland to Rangers – that's a 20-30 goal hole needing filled. I worry for the season ahead with this squad.
Less than 10 weeks ago, I left Celtic Park having watched Hearts going three minutes from winning the title and fans having a connection with the manager and all the players. Now I'm spending hours doing research on a squad that I hardly know.
