Malachi Fagan-Walcott described Hearts' 4-0 defeat to Sturm Graz in the Champions League qualifier as embarrassing but insisted the tie is not over. The defender, making his debut for the Jambos, said the team must use the pain as motivation for the second leg at Tynecastle.
Hearts humbled in Austria
Tuesday's first leg in the Merkur Arena saw Hearts dominate possession with 67% but fail to convert chances, while Sturm Graz scored four from six shots on target. Landry Kabore missed two big opportunities, and Alexandros Kyziridis fired wide from close range before Sturm made it 2-0. Three goals between the 50th and 59th minutes sealed the rout, with the hosts hitting the post after making it four.
Fagan-Walcott, a summer signing from York City, admitted the scoreline was harsh given the stats but said Hearts must take their chances at this level. He added that the team is still gelling under new manager Wouter Vrancken, who has had only three-and-a-half weeks with the squad.
No excuses from Fagan-Walcott
Despite the short preparation time, the 24-year-old refused to make excuses. "Nah, we can't make excuses. We had a short time together, but we're all grown-ups, we all take accountability, so we have to keep going," he said. He called on his teammates to learn from the defeat and improve for the second leg, stressing that the tie is not over until the final whistle at Tynecastle.
