Hearts manager Derek McInnes has hit back at critics who questioned his team's ability to handle the pressure in the Scottish Premiership title race. Following a commanding 2-1 victory over Rangers at Tynecastle on Monday, McInnes insisted that any doubters clearly haven't been paying attention to his side's performances.
Hearts on the Brink of Historic Title
The win leaves Hearts three points clear of Celtic with a superior goal difference, with only three matches remaining. The Gorgie side are now on the verge of securing their first league championship in 66 years, having led the table for most of the season.
McInnes pointed to recent comeback victories against Rangers, Hibernian, and Motherwell as evidence of his team's strong mentality. 'I think anybody who questions the mentality now hasn't been watching us, regardless of how this season plays out,' he said.
Manager of the Year Recognition
McInnes, who recently won both the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year award and the Premiership Manager of the Year accolade, is preparing his side for a crucial trip to Motherwell. He emphasised that the squad remains calm despite the high stakes.
'We have conversations that aren't about the games and the season. It's just normal conversations you would try and have to keep that as normal as possible,' McInnes explained. 'Normally days off can be a chance to switch off but with the greatest will in the world, it's hard to do that at the minute.'
Title Race Scenarios
Hearts could clinch the title as early as next Wednesday if they beat Falkirk at home, but they are guaranteed at least a final-day showdown with Celtic. McInnes is focused solely on the next match against Motherwell, a team that has yet to beat Hearts this season but has proven troublesome for others.
'We can't get obsessed with all the different connotations and what happens there if we win that one and they win that one. That's not our thinking, I've no time for that,' he stated. 'The message to the players is just concentrate on trying to win against Motherwell.'
McInnes is hopeful of having key players Harry Milne and Cammy Devlin back from injury for the weekend fixture, adding: 'I'm hopeful of getting one, if not two. Hopefully we can see them on Saturday.'
