Lawrence Shankland feels Hearts’ hatred at poisonous Tynecastle, while Neil Critchley warns flops it won’t stop.
There was no hiding place for the board in Gorgie as supporters let loose during the Conference League’s collapse to Moldovan minnows.
After a night of Euro humiliation at Tynecastle, Neil Critchley told his Hearts players to deal with criticism, since it is unlikely to go away.
The Jambos missed out on their first Euro run in 35 years after a 2-2 tie with Moldovan side Petrocub, who finished at the bottom of the Conference League standings. Tynecastle became a poisonous environment, with fans hurling abuse at the manager, players, chairman Ann Budge, and board members.
James Wilson and Blair Spittal’s second-half goals appeared to have rescued the day following Sergio Platica’s opening, but a late Victor Mudrac penalty sent the Jambos reeling. Hearts seemed like they’d qualify after winning their opening two league phase games, but they’ve only picked up one point in the following four.Critchley, who has won only four of his 14 games in command, must now prepare his team for Sunday’s match against St Johnstone in order to move out of the Premiership relegation zone.
“You can only reply; you have a few options; ours is to demonstrate struggle, unity, and spirit. I am still sure that there is enough in the dressing room to improve our predicament.
“It is normal to feel a particular way when you aren’t getting the outcomes you desire; that is human nature. When you win games and score goals, everyone plays confidently and freely.
“If not, you must work your way out of that era. it is the business, and it is the game. You go through tough times, and when you do, as I am convinced this squad will, you will be stronger for it.
“When we were in the lead and on the front foot, the supporters rallied around us. When we lost, they were naturally frustrated, so you had to rise above that noise and tune it out.
“That’s football now, that’s not just at Tynecastle that’s everywhere.”
Hearts lost out on a play-off position by one place in the standings and on goal difference, costing them about £1 million. Critchley continued: “This was a great chance, but it wasn’t just tonight; we had six games and didn’t do enough. We have to accept that.
“We were all aware of the importance of this competition, and winning today would have meant a lot to the football club. Finances are not my area of expertise; I am here to coach the team, help them grow, and achieve better outcomes.
Lawrence Shankland, the disappointed Jambos captain, said his teammates never did enough and that he sensed the animosity from the spectators. He stated, “We only have ourselves to blame.” They were stout defensively and difficult to break down. I think the lads shown good character when the situation became nasty early on.
“We needed to stand up to it. We were able to get back into it and get an advantage; from then, we should have won the game; it was not a game we should draw or lose, but we did.”
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