After the Edinburgh Derby on December 26, 2024 when Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) were beaten 2-1 by Hibernian. Hearts’ captain Lawrence Shankland has given a frank assessment of how he feels the team is playing. Being bottom of the Scottish Premiership table this season leaving them second from bottom was not a great deal. But though playing better than the result suggested, they could not deliver this time.
A Frank Admission
“We’re not playing like a good team at the moment,” Shankland admitted in a post-match interview. The new coach said that, with that said. Denying the current reality of the team would be the denial of reality. Lawrence Shankland has been outspoken about the team’s struggles.
Fan Frustration
Home supporters at Tynecastle Stadium booed the team off the pitch after the performance on Wednesday. And Shankland understood those frustrations saying: I understand their frustration because they do have high expectations, particularly in the derby games. “It’s a fan base that expects us to win games, particularly derbies,” he said.
Appeal for Quality Reinforcements
As the January transfer window approaches, Shankland is keen for quality additions to the squad. “You need to attract quality players who are able to bring a level. That is required to perform at the football club,” he said. That feeling is echoed by reports that Hearts are in negotiations to bring Belgian striker Elton Kabangu to ensure there are goals in this current side. Lawrence Shankland is instrumental in pushing for these reinforcements.
Individual Accountability and Performance
Despite having been prolific for Hearts in seasons past, Shankland has not scored now in five games and three times in 26 appearances this term. He has publicly accepted blame when opportunities have been missed, admitting that the lack of goals from the team’s attackers is a problem they all share. He added, “We’re not scoring goals as a team, and that’s not an ideal problem.” Lawrence Shankland has acknowledged his own accountability in these challenges.
Mental Resilience
The Hearts skipper is hoping to overcome this difficult spell with the help of a mindset coach. He emphasizes the importance of mental preparation during difficult moments on the pitch. “Football is easy when things are going great but it can be challenging in those spots and you have to prepare for that,” Shankland said. Lawrence Shankland is focusing on mental resilience to turn things around.
Looking Ahead
Hearts must regroup ahead of their next games, including an important clash with Ross County, and Shankland’s frank appraisal can act as a rallying cry for players and fans alike. “We need to work together, we need to believe that we can turn it around but we also need to find the quality to go and do it,” he said. Lawrence Shankland’s leadership will be pivotal in looking ahead and improving team performance.
