Rudi Skacel has admitted he felt sick after watching Hearts suffer Premiership heartache on the final day of last season, as Celtic snatched the championship at the death. The Tynecastle hero believes the entire country missed out on a fairytale finale to an incredible campaign.
Skacel, speaking at the Tennents Sixes tournament, said: "I think they deserve to win. I had a chance to see the team train and I spoke with the gaffer. I feel like the team looked strong mentally. They have a good relationship among them. I think they deserve to win."
"Unfortunately, they didn't. When they came back from Celtic Park, I felt sick. I bumped my heart like I was one of them there. I was really disappointed. I think it was a big loss for Scottish football as well."
Title Pain and Hope for the Future
Despite the disappointment, Skacel is convinced the Jambos are on the right track. He said: "Hopefully, they can at least split the Old Firm."
"It will be difficult. I think last year was an incredible chance. But hopefully, I feel different now and then."
"Because even supporters, they believe they can manage. Because the Rangers and Celtic have plenty of problems."
"They are not strong enough like they used to 20 years ago. So this chance is bigger and bigger."
"Unfortunately, last year it didn't happen. But we can still hope it can happen again. Because it was so close. Celtic doesn't deserve to win a championship. As I said, it's a really big loss for us, for Jambos, but definitely for Scottish football as well."
Derby Delight at Tennents Sixes
Skacel was a scourge of Hibs during his time at Tynecastle, and he was at it again at the Tennents Sixes, scoring a goal and winning the derby. The 47-year-old rolled out his trademark celebration and admitted hearing his old song from fans was music to his ears.
He said: "Nothing changes. I'm so happy."
"It was obviously for supporters to make them laugh and have fun. We appreciate they came over here and have fun like we do. But of course, as I said, up there is still the derby, and we want to win it."
"We show everyone that still in Edinburgh, there is still only one team! Of course, it's a joke. Even at this event, we are happy we won the derby. I'm retired. I'm an old man. I'm glad I survived even this small derby."
"I appreciate that. It means I did a good job over here. I always try my best, 100 or 110 percent. Of course, I appreciate the support from them. Of course, it's really very nice."
A Career Measured by Hearts
Skacel had a long career that took him from Slavia Prague to Panathinaikos, Marseille and Southampton, among others. But it was his two stints in Edinburgh, and his two Scottish Cup wins, that remain top of the tree.
He said: "Yeah, because of my time at Hearts. Obviously, the career is normal. Football players have ups and downs. You measure it by trophies and goals."
"I had a different position over here. I always loved it when I was a leader."
"There were things on my shoulders, but as I said, the dressing room is big. There are different types of players. You have leaders. You have guys that have to work off their socks."
"Then you have important players and captains. You have top scorers. Each team has a different role. I have an important role over here. As I said, I love it."
"When I have responsibility on my shoulders, I always feel good. In Edinburgh, everything clicks together and works out."
"I always feel that I can deliver, I can score, I can prepare goals. Of course, Hearts was something special."
"Everything clicked. My relationship with the supporters, Tynecastle and Edinburgh, of course, it will stay in my career really high. I spent a long time over here. Of course, I'm a big Jambo and I love Edinburgh and our supporters."
