Daniel Stendel: Good week but a point not enough from Hearts 1-1 Motherwell

Manager felt more patience was needed against Motherwell

Hearts manager Daniel Stendel lamented the loss of another soft goal against Motherwell but insisted his team have had a very positive week.

The 1-1 draw at Tynecastle Park leaves Stendel’s team three points adrift at the bottom of the league ahead of Wednesday’s colossal visit to St Mirren.

Craig Halkett hit Chris Long with a clearance which led to the visiting forward opening the scoring in the first half. Conor Washington levelled after the break and both teams had chances to win thereafter.

Stendel was not overly despondent at full-time. After his side knocked Rangers out of the Scottish Cup and beat Hibs at Easter Road, he accepted a point against third-placed Motherwell – but also acknowledged it is not enough given Hamilton’s victory over Kilmarnock.

“We wanted to win but this is the result,” he commented. “Motherwell showed they have had a really good season. When we went 1-0 down, it was more an own goal than a goal from Motherwell. After 1-1 I thought we could change the result but we wanted it too much.

“We did not really play with patience when we had the chance to play ahead. They had some chances, we had two big chances, but when you see the other results one point is not enough.

“It was a good week for us and we need to keep going like this. Wednesday is the next big game.”

Asked about the error leading to Motherwell’s goal, he added: “It is hard to accept. If Motherwell score because they have the quality and played well, okay, but when we give the the chance to score too easily, it’s hard.

“In the second half, Bobby Zlamal saved a great shot and Halkett aso did well. Some situations are not good at the moment. At the moment, the first chance is sometimes a goal but what changed is our reaction.

“Our reaction was not to go 2-0 down or 3-0 down, our reaction was to keep our game, create chances and score. We were not playing a team from the bottom of the league. It was a good team and, for this reason, I think we can be satisfied with the result.”

Hearts passed up chances to win the game late on through strikers Liam Boyce and Steven Naismith. “You can help the players in some situations but this is a hard time for everybody on the pitch,” admitted Stendel.

“After half-time, we scored really early and it was a good feeling. Then we were all a little bit too nervous, too early with long balls. The idea was a little bit different but this is the situation.

“I said to the players I want us to play more. I think we would get more chances then but I understand I am not on the pitch. The fight was great again and the support was great, plus Motherwell were also good.”

Sean Clare was taken off with a knee injury and substitute Jamie Walker also suffered a knock to his head. Both will be assessed over the next 48 hours.

“Clare has a little bit of problem with his knee after a collision. We need to see what happens tomorrow. I hope it’s not so big and I hope he can play on Wednesday,” said Stendel.

“Jamie’s did not look nice. He became a daddy again on Wednesday.”