Unhappy fans recently questioned the Jambos’ style at the AGM.
In response to criticism from fans regarding the manner of play he has overseen this season, Hearts manager Steven Naismith has defended himself.
The Jambos have been playing well lately in terms of results, having won four of their previous six league games and moving up to third place in the Premiership before last weekend’s loss to Aberdeen dropped them back to sixth. Hearts’ style of play and the fact that they have only scored 15 goals in their 16 league games thus far have drawn criticism for Naismith, who was chosen manager of the month for November. These worries were brought up by a few shareholders during the club’s AGM on Thursday.
Although he acknowledged that there have been glimpses of the style he would like to see, the former Scotland, Rangers, and Everton forward—who took over as manager earlier this year—explained that it is not always simple to play in an exciting manner when opponents are determined to break up the flow. “I believe the club has shifted its strategy from past years in that teams are arriving at Tynecastle content with a draw, meaning they are seated further down the field,” the man stated. “Given the percentage of the game’s location and the instances of the last two home games (1-0 victories over Livingston and St Johnstone), it’s very tough to be expansive, open, and very attacking-minded when you’re up against 10 behind the ball.
“You must find another way to win the game. In the game, that can take some time. Before you get the chance, you have to move people about and wear them out, and I believe that’s what our previous two home games have been like. If you look at the games we played against Aberdeen and Hibs earlier in the season, our performances were strong. We created opportunities, they attacked, and we won both games. Even though we didn’t play the derby well enough, I think the games were still enjoyable. I believe a combination of factors, including persons and the options at our disposal, have shaped the formation setup. I want to play entertaining attacking football because I was an attacker as a player. However, other teams exist to make things harder for you.
When Hearts travel to league leaders Celtic on Saturday, they will have a difficult test as they attempt to bounce back from consecutive losses to Rangers and Aberdeen. Due to injuries, Alex Lowry and Liam Boyce will not be playing for the Jambos. Meanwhile, Naismith disclosed that Cammy Devlin, an Australian midfielder, will not be able to play in the Asian Cup until after the winter break due to an ankle problem. The manager stated, “Cammy’s done some damage to his ankle.” “I can’t imagine him playing in the Asian Cup because I don’t even think he’ll be back in training before the break, when the squads meet up.”
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