Alexander Schwolow sees 'huge' Hearts battle on horizon as ace names what people underestimate about title bid

Alexander Schwolow says the power of Tynecastle will be key as Hearts head down the Premiership title home stretch.

The Jambos defeated Dundee 1-0 at home prior to the international break as Schwolow, who signed last summer on the back of numerous seasons in the Bundesliga, racked up a 13th league clean sheet of the season. Manager Derek McInnes’ side are three points clear in first and face bottom-side Livingston a week on Sunday upon returning to action.

All of Hearts’ defeats this season have come on the road and Schwolow reckons that home comforts has been a major driving force behind their bid for a shock title as major fights like a home game with fourth-placed Motherwell await in Gorgie before the league splits.

What has been key to Hearts title bid?

“It’s massive,” Schwolow told Hearts TV. “I think people underestimate how important that is for us players on the pitch because you feel the tension you feel if the crowd is nervous. I can just tell you feel it on the pitch, and the fans have been amazing, supporting us although we played sometimes not the best football.

“But they had our back and I think that's the reason why we could always bounce back, especially for example after the defeat in Kilmarnock. They don't blame us they don't shout at us; they still have the faith in us and that's what we need. It’s so important for us and then you see the result and we beat we beat we win our next game and that's just so important.

“I think most of the time it's energy and confidence. Every game is difficult and you see it every weekend. Our opponents, they also lose games, and we just need to be ready to fight for every game. You saw, I don't know like three weeks ago, if we speak now about the Livi game.

Alexander Schwolow on life at Hearts

“Rangers had a very tough time there and they were 2-0 down. So, we are warned and it's not only Livi, but also the other teams. For example we have Motherwell which for us will be a huge fight a huge battle. So now we recharge, get some energy, see something different for two three days and then full energy on to Livi.”

Schwolow signed for Hearts after time at Union Berlin, having played for other notable German sides such as SC Freiburg, Hertha Berlin and Schalke 04. He insists the Tynecastle dressingroom have welcomed him in with open arms this season.

“The locker room was so nice and friendly from the beginning,” Schwolow added. “The boys made it so easy for me, especially in the first games ,where you're a little bit nervous and everything's new for you because it’s the first time you're playing abroad. They helped a lot cheering me up and I think it was a huge part to build that confidence that I have now.

“I think that was the main reason and obviously the talks with the gaffer and with Gal [Paul Gallacher], the goalie coach, helped a lot. I'm enjoying every day here. We have a lot of funny guys, Blair Spittal is always there for a good quote or something funny. You always have something to love and that's what I like.”

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