Hearts Head Coach Ian Cathro says his players are in confident mood ahead of their William Hill Scottish Cup 5th Round replay against Hibernian at Easter Road this Wednesday. He told the official Hearts website:
“There’s nothing that happened in the first game that makes me feel any less convinced about what our position is in Wednesday’s game,” Ian explained.
“It will be the most important game of our lives. And when we play the next game after that it will be the same.
“It really is that simple. We’re fighting to become a team that knows how to win and gets used to winning. “
Ian also stressed his belief that his team has the strength to cope with all aspects of Wednesday’s match, including any periods in which they may find themselves under pressure.
“I think we have a squad that’s ready to deal with the highs and lows of the game. We know how to handle being on top, but also difficult periods in the match.
“I see a Hearts team now which is stronger and more ready to deal with stages of the game where you have to fight.
“I’m happy with the idea that there’s more pressure on us.
“People will have their opinions on which side has the better players and all that, but ultimately, none of that matters between now and kick-off on Wednesday.
“We have to win. All we’re focusing on is being ready for kick-off.”
Hearts Greek internationalist Alex Tziolis summed up the mood of the players. He told the official Hearts website:
“Wednesday night is an important game. We have to recover. Football continues and we have to think about the next game.
“The derby will be a difficult game again but we have to go there to win. For us there is no other result.”
When asked if he realised how important the game was, Alex confessed from day one that supporters of the club hadn’t been shy in letting him know just how vital a win in the derby would be.
“I understood the rivalry from the first day I came here. Before the first game, everybody was speaking about this game. What did the fans say to me? That it is the most important game of the year.
“I understand how important the game is. It’s like derbies everywhere, the fans think only about this game. It is the game of the year.”
“When you win, you are really happy. When you lose? I don’t want to think about this. We have to go and find a way.
“Now we know the opponent better. Some players here are new and we didn’t know the opponent. I hope on Wednesday everything will be okay and we get through. I hope on Wednesday we give our fans happiness.”
Author of The Team for Me - 50 Years of Following Hearts. Runs Mind Generating Success, a successful therapy practice in Edinburgh. Contact me if you want rid of any unwanted habits. Twitter @Mike1874
