Ryan Stevenson fears Hearts could be on the receiving end of a heavy defeat against Benfica if Wouter Vrancken doesn't adapt his approach. The former Jambos player believes the Belgian must park his ideals and do everything to avoid another nightmare in Lisbon.
Daunting prospect
Thursday night's tie is a daunting prospect at the best of times, but with Hearts wobbling, it's borderline frightening. Stevenson warns it could be a cricket score if Vrancken doesn't get it right. He points to the recent defeat at Aberdeen, where Hearts lost a late winner after leading, highlighting defensive lapses that Benfica could exploit.
Stevenson criticises full-back Jordi Altena for failing to track a runner, leaving Stuart Findlay exposed and leading to the winning goal. He contrasts this with last season's solidity, noting the departures of Michael Steinwender and Beni Baningime, who were key to the team's defensive structure.
Midfield concerns
Stevenson also questions the deployment of Blair Spittal as a defensive midfielder, arguing it's not his natural position. He feels the team is too open through the middle, and against elite players like those at Benfica, Vrancken's ideals could prove catastrophic.
He urges Vrancken to adapt, citing Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United as an example of a top team that would stay in a tie away from home and do damage at Old Trafford. Stevenson suggests Hearts should aim to keep the tie alive for the second leg at Tynecastle.
Bigger picture
Beyond the immediate tie, Stevenson calls for clarity from Tony Bloom on the 10-year plan, warning that constant change could turn Hearts into a feeder club. He acknowledges the turbulent summer and the risk of being in a terrible place by mid-September.
For now, the focus is on Thursday and ensuring the tie doesn't turn into a catastrophe. If Vrancken doesn't adjust, Stevenson fears things could career from bad to awful.
