Hearts goalkeeper Beau Reus has revealed that the squad still feel they were 'screwed over' after missing out on the Premiership title on the final day of last season. The Belgian shot-stopper, who joined the club in the summer as a direct replacement for Alexander Schwolow, says talk of the collapse remains a 'sensitive issue' in the dressing room.
Final Day Heartbreak
The Tynecastle club went into the final day of last season top of the table, needing a result against Celtic at Parkhead. They took a 1-0 lead but lost 3-1 to Martin O'Neill's side, handing the title to the Hoops.
Days earlier, then-Hearts boss Derek McInnes was left furious by a last-gasp penalty awarded to Celtic in their win over Motherwell. He described the decision as 'disgusting' and was later handed a touchline ban at new club Rangers.
'Swept Under the Rug'
In an interview in his homeland, Reus, 24, said: "It has been swept under the rug. Everyone feels the same way about it - that they were screwed over. From what I’ve heard, some things went very strangely, but I can’t say anything about that with 100% certainty, because I wasn’t there. It remains a sensitive issue."
The former AZ Alkmaar youngster is also looking forward to a reunion with Marink Reedijk when Hearts face Hibs in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final later this month. Reedijk, now Hibs boss, previously coached Reus at Beveren.
Reunion with Reedijk
Reus added: "I am really enjoying it at Hearts and I'm looking forward to the matches against Celtic and Rangers and then we play the League Cup semi final against Hibs at Hampden Park, so that will be a fantastic game. I always had a very good bond with Marink Reedijk because we worked well together and had moments where we completely disagreed too! I always appreciated that. Marink has picked a nice club, because he has signed with our rival Hibernian. We are going from friends to enemies, because when we play against each other, I know it will be a tough battle."
He also spoke warmly of his new surroundings: "When we arrived here last summer, I realised right away that this is a fantastic place for me. The city is nice and busy, so that’s great. The club recommended an apartment complex to me where six other teammates live as well. I have been welcomed wonderfully and I am having a great time."
Adapting to Scottish Football
Reus admits he has had to work on his physical attributes in the gym since being signed by Wouter Vrancken. He explained: "In Scotland, everyone is built like a skyscraper. I swear to you. I am tall, but I really pale into insignificance here. They are giants. There are many more tackles and tougher battles than in Belgium or the Netherlands. The referees look at it differently too. You just have to be a bit stronger. That is why I am working hard in the gym and am following specific nutrition plans. I already have the height, but I want to get broader."
On the team's style, he said: "At Hearts, we really want to play beautiful football and build from the back. That is something the manager really aspires to. But I don't have to take unnecessary risks. When it comes down to it, I can just blast the ball into the stands. They are quite clear about that in Scotland. I think that we as a team, but also I personally, have had a pretty good start to the season."
