Hearts travel to Turkey to face Trabzonspor in the Conference League, just days after a humbling 7-1 defeat by Celtic. Wouter Vrancken's side are looking to bounce back against a team featuring Liverpool legend Mo Salah, who joined the Turkish club as their marquee summer signing.
Hearts Aim to Recover After Heavy Loss
The Jambos were beaten 7-1 by Celtic in their last outing, and now face a Trabzonspor side sitting fourth in the Turkish Super Lig. Trabzonspor won as recently as Monday night against Istanbul giants Besiktas, with jubilant fans taking to the streets to celebrate with flares.
Hearts were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at home to Nordsjaelland in their Conference League opener, conceding late on at Tynecastle. A few hundred Hearts supporters have made the trip to Turkey, hoping the long journey is worth it.
Salah's Impact on Trabzon
Record Sport's Scott Burns, reporting from Turkey, notes that while Salah is Trabzonspor's kingpin, the city's football culture is about the collective. "You hear the regular calls to prayer. The Turks have their religion but their football faith is just as strong," he observed.
The streets of Trabzon are painted in the club's trademark sky blue and claret, with murals and club shops across the city centre. The only evidence of Salah is advertising above a local mobile phone shop and counterfeit shirts in bazaars, though official 'Salah 10' merchandise is also on sale.
Wilson Eager for Challenge
Hearts striker James Wilson, a Manchester United fan, watched Salah score twice in a 7-0 dismantling of his beloved club at Anfield three years ago. He now gets to share a pitch with the Egyptian superstar.
"It's cool. These are the games you want to play as a player. I've grown up watching some of these players and it's an exciting opportunity to play against them," Wilson said. "I am a Manchester United fan I went down for a Manchester United versus Liverpool game. It was the 7-0 game. I don't remember if any of them were there, but I'm looking forward to this occasion."
Salah and Brazilian Fabinho both played at Anfield that day and are part of Trabzonspor's star-studded ranks for Thursday's match. The game is a tough test for Hearts, but Vrancken believes in his philosophy and hopes it can yield a result.
