Hearts manager Craig Levein has said that expectations are reduced for his side away from home.
The Jambos go into what appears to be a do or die match for the under-fire Gorgie boss. They haven’t won since March in the league and fans protested against Levein after their recent 3-2 defeat to Motherwell.
Levein has explained why he thinks it is ‘different’ being away from home.
He told the Daily Mail (18/09/19, page 83): “The pressure is different. Our recent matches have been at home where we are expected to have more of the ball and maybe get three points.
“It is different being away from home.”
Hearts boss Levein has to change that mindset this weekend
If Levein thinks Hearts fans will settle for anything less than three points on Sunday he is sorely mistaken.
Under pressure and unable to buy a win from anywhere, sometimes Levein just doesn’t help himself. Comments like this only serve to infuriate the fans that are already angry with him.
Heart of Midlothian have the best squad outside of Celtic and Rangers. They have internationals like Glenn Whelan, Steven Naismith and John Souttar in the team and possess promising youngsters like Andy Irving and Aaron Hickey.
They haven’t been helped by injury this term, but to infer a point away from home is acceptable for Hearts isn’t right. Outside of matches against the top two, Hearts should be expecting to win most games.
Levein seems to be implying that the Jambos won’t be expecting three points away from home. They might not expect a point given their recent form all things considered, but that isn’t good enough.
Ahead of an away trip to Easter Road, this comment from Levein doesn’t exactly scream inspiration.