Hearts plans for international break as 'individual talks' to be held ahead of action return
Hearts are now in the midst of the international break.
Wouter Vrancken says recuperation and focused work plans will take up the bulk of Hearts’ international break.
The Belgian head coach has been left to mull over three straight losses to Hibs, Thun and Falkirk over the course of seven bruising days. Their most recent game was a 5-2 defeat at home to the Bairns amid a lengthy injury list that has increased the difficulty of Vrancken’s task in hand at Tynecastle.
An international break means several players will get a much-needed rest after a relentless run of games. Monday was taken off post-Falkirk but training work was already in the diary, with a focus on getting down to specific details with players. Then attentions turn to their match with Dundee in just under a fortnight’s time.
What are Hearts’ plans for the international break?
Vrancken said of what Hearts will be focusing on over the international fortnight: “The plans? OK, next weekend I get a few days off for sure, especially the mental recuperation. But now we have Monday off and then we train again to get the rhythm in the legs and without overdoing it.
“And individualise it because some players didn't play too much, other players a lot. So also that, individualise it. And then after the weekend, of course, to do another game.”
Concerns have emerged over how Hearts have conceded goals in their most recent matches. Teams have punished the Jambos on transition moments and crosses into the box have also been a struggle at times. Some poor clearances have also allowed opponents to pounce and it’s those type of elements that will come under Vrancken’s microscope over the break. Talks will be had with players on an individual basis to ensure everyone is at the level they need to be.
Asked if there are elements of the last three games need focus over the break, Vrancken said: “Yeah, a lot I would say. The last three games, but I think it's a lot of individual talks about awareness for sure, and see how they can grow in it and what they do think themselves. Yeah, and finding out together how to make it better individually towards the team effort.”
How did Leart Kabashi perform vs Falkirk?
One player who impressed in the weekend loss to Falkirk was debuting midfielder Leart Kabashi. He came on off the bench and immediately calmed the engine room area of play down. Kabashi has been called up for Switzerland’s U21s squad for their November camp but he will return to Tynecastle next week with chances of minutes against Dundee at Den Park heightened. Matthew Gillies has also been promoted to the first team for recent matches amid his co-operation loan at Stenhousemuir and has also handed his chances of further involvement a lift.
Ageu and Tomas Magnusson are amongst midfielders who missed the Bairns clash but are in line to return versus the Dark Blues. Kabashi, however, has shown he can handled himself on a first team platform. Vrancken added on the teenage midfielder: ”You see Leart’s quality on training a lot of times.
“But it's good because it's always a doubt, it's always a gamble. He showed personality also and not overdoing it, just play his game simple with quality. Also strong in the duels because this is also not his strong point, but he showed himself there and it was a really positive thing there.”