'Difficult' Hearts decision over Jambos star at Kilmarnock explained as ace backed after return from injury
Hearts boss Wouter Vrancken made key decisions away to Kilmarnock.
Wouter Vrancken insists it was the right call to haul Hearts defender Stuart Findlay off in the first half against Kilmarnock.
The experienced centre-back was not injured but Harry Milne replaced him just after a half-hour. Stephen Kingsley moved into left-sided centre-back and scored the leveller in a Premiership clash that ended 1-1 after Joe Hugill’s opener. Next up is St Mirren on October 10 at Tynecastle.
Asked about the Findlay decision, Vrancken responded: “Because it was not good enough. Especially when we got the ball. Especially when they got 1-0 ahead, we knew that we were going to be more dominant, because they were going to focus on block.
Why did Hearts take off Stuart Findlay vs Kilmarnock?
“We had a clear game plan, not so difficult, especially for the defenders. I don't want them to take too many risks but you have to execute a game plan at that moment. When not, then you have to change, of course. It was a hard decision.
“I think you can keep waiting until the half-time, but I think when you see things going wrong sometimes, and you don't see improvements in this game, nothing to blame maybe, but you don't see the improvements, then you have to handle it, I think.”
One positive to come of the game was Ageu’s return from injury. The club’s record signing has been out since February following a thigh injury and adds to the midfield group that has lost Blair Spittal and Tom Renaud out injured.
Ageu return to Hearts team assessed
Vrancken added: “Happy for him, of course, that he gets the minutes again. Also happy for us that we have an extra player there because we're pretty thin on players there. I think he did well without being outstanding, maybe, but he was good in the game. He had good control on the ball. He was decent on the ball. I think he can only get better.
“I think the others had to do it also (build-up from defence to midfield). I think it went ok until we got the goal. And then it fell a little bit, was gone a bit. And the quality in the build-up also, too fast sometimes, instead of trying to break lines, or too many passes backwards, instead of taking responsibility and look to the options forward.
“So those things we had to do better there. I'm happy that when Eddie came in, he could bring something also there. We controlled the game, we dominated the game and when you create so many chances, you have to score more than one goal.”
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