Christophe Berra reveals why Hearts' loss to Brora Rangers was coming

Christophe Berra today admitted Hearts’ Scottish Cup defeat at Brora Rangers wasn’t a shock because it has been coming for weeks.

The defender didn’t hold back when analysing Tuesday night’s dismal 2-1 loss to the Highland League club, believing it represents the lowest point of his entire career.

Hearts are still digesting what was the worst result in their history and Berra gave an honest assessment on the reasons why it happened.

He scored Hearts’ second-half equaliser to cancel out Jordan Macrae’s early opener. However, Martin Maclean made history with Brora’s second goal just moments later.

Christophe Berra was devastated by Hearts' loss at Brora Rangers.

“It's been coming, let's be honest,” said Berra. “I haven't played but we haven't been convincing in games recently. It's probably a multitude of things adding up.

“We started the game well, went 1-0 down to a great strike and just didn't have enough to come back. Then we equalised and their lad just dribbles and gets a free-kick which leads to the second goal.

“We should deal with the cross but it was a great finish from the boy from a tight angle but still. It's schoolboy stuff. It wasn't a game we were uncomfortable in.

“It wasn't backs against the wall but when we got the ball in their half there were slack passes and balls going out of play. We aren't scoring goals and that's everyone's fault.

“It's just not good enough. It's a really bad result, we have to take it on the chin and reflect. We have to make sure we win the league.

“We also have to put things right. For the last two years we've been in the Scottish Cup final. We took Celtic all the way in the final in December and probably should have won it. Then we get put out by Brora Rangers no disrespect to them.”

Berra said players were acutely aware in the dressing room that they had let their club down. “We all know it. It's not good enough, we lost to Brora Rangers. Words can't really describe it,” he said.

“Goals change games but we couldn't break them down. They put bodies on the line and showed a desire. You get games like that but everyone here has to do more. It took us ages to get the equaliser and then we concede straight away after they take centre. It's just pathetic.”

Asked if it was the worst result of his career, the defender replied: “If you go by what league they are in, then yes. Of course it is. It's not a night I'll look back on with fond memories.

“The objective is to win the league but we should be winning these games. We probably took the foot off the pedal right through.

“We probably haven't been that convincing in the last four or five games. You've watched them yourself. It's all added up.

"We need to get back in training and win on Saturday [against Queen of the South]. Football is a sport where you need to be thick-skinned. I've been playing for 18 years now.

“You have ups and downs, but if you're going to have a long career in a sport like professional football then you will get knocks and you need to bounce back from them. If not, you will just dwindle away.”

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