Hearts star sends emotional apology after 'very difficult' Sturm Graz defeat as promise made to fans
Hearts stars have reacted to the tough opening to this season in the Champions League.
Alexandros Kyziridis has vowed to Hearts fans that the Jambos will make amends for their difficult night against Sturm Graz.
Wouter Vrancken’s side lost 4-0 in their Champions League second round qualifier first leg to leave them with an uphill battle in the return match at Tynecastle next week. They are likely heading for a Europa League third round qualifier versus Benfica or St Gallen but Greek winger Kyziridis has sent an emotional message after a tough opening to the season in which he missed a big first half chance with the game still at 1-0.
He has thanked the travelling fans for their support and for sticking by him and his teammates even when the going got tough in Austria. He also insists Hearts will do all they can to make things right after their four-goal defeat.
Alexandros Kyziridis message to Hearts fans
Kyziridis wrote on social media: “Yesterday was a very difficult day for all of us. There are no excuses for a result like that. I want to sincerely apologise to every single supporter, especially those who travelled to support us away from home.
"You gave us your time, your energy, and your belief, and we didn't give you the performance you deserved. Thank you for standing by us even on our worst days. We feel your disappointment, and we promise to work harder than ever to put things right. We will keep fighting, stay together, and do everything we can to make you proud again. Thank you for always being with us."
New signing Sabri Guendouz also remained defiant after the game. He said: “Proud to make my first official appearance for the club in European competition. Not the result we wanted but thank you to all our supporters for your incredible backing. We’ll be ready for Tuesday.”
Wouter Vrancken on Sturm Graz 4-0 Hearts
Boss Vrancken said of the loss: “For me we were killed by two set-plays and this is very difficult to accept, because we started okay. We got the first goal against, then we got control of the game and created some chances. We were not efficient and they were. I was pleased with a lot of things that I saw in the game. We could do better. We could have taken more responsibility to have the ball instead of just watching and reacting.
“But it was a pretty good first half, the only thing that was missing was goals. We kept believing at half-time but we missed a big chance and then again a set-piece. When you go next week and you can show the same things, and you can show conviction and efficiency in the opponents’ 18-yard box, and with the support of the fans, who were amazing even after this result, then everything is possible in football and sport. The players need to feel the support. We have to go for it all together, the players, the fans and the staff, with full belief, and you never know.”