Following their stalemate against Motherwell, Derek McInnes called for “perspective” on his side’s positive start to the Scottish Premiership season.
Speaking with the media at full-time, the Hearts boss remains content with their opening fourteen league matches.
“Delighted, even ahead of the game, we had a chance to go seven points clear, even saying that as a Hearts manager, that nearly into December, a chance to go seven points clear, there has to be some sort of perspective.”
“These boys are human. They work hard to care for the club, to try and get results. So there’s no real criticism for me. There are certain things I thought we could have done better today, and there’s a bit of frustration towards that, but we’re doing a lot right, we’ve got a good thing going here at the club.”
“It’s important we try and win a game of football on Wednesday. If we can do that, then we get into next weekend’s game in a decent place and a good position.”
The manager revealed that he had urged his side to carry more “belief” after a goalless first period.
“I thought we had some good moments (in the second half). We pressed well. I thought that in the first half, we tried to fill the midfield. We were really strong with our work. I thought we tried to stop Motherwell getting any sort of rhythm. The keepers didn’t really have a lot to do. I know that the goal was chopped off, but rightly, it was offside.”
“I thought we were really good when we did switch to play and moved the ball that but quicker and strikers linked to play, I thought we arrived outside the box with a good few opportunities, and we weren’t on point enough with that.”
Hearts remain top of the Scottish Premiership, the 0-0 draw moves them five points clear of Celtic, who have two games in hand.
“I thought we’re good enough for a point. I don’t think we’re good enough to get three points, and that’s disappointing. It’s the last couple of games now where we’re an attacking threat, which has loads of plaudits, loads of praise, and rightly so, both individually and as a team”
“I think in that sense, a point on the road at Motherwell in isolation, a clean sheet isn’t the worst result as long as you win your home games. But in the context of not winning at Aberdeen, drawing against Dundee United, I think it just feels a bit more disappointment as a consequence.”
Hearts are still without central player Beni Baningime, who has missed three consecutive games with a hamstring injury. The Hearts manager referenced the “control” that the midfielder brings.
“He can pass, as we know. He looks after the ball. He is very defensive-minded as well. He can snuff out attacks. So you get a bit of both as a central midfield player. You get good ball retention, good experience. Can play in tight areas and protect the back lot.”
The Tynecastle outfit return to league action on Wednesday against Kilmarnock, before a top of the table clash with Celtic the following Sunday.
