'We can say it's all ****.' Daniel Stendel admits Hearts need new players and gives Steven Naismith injury update

Daniel Stendel was frustrated after Hearts' defeat at Hamilton

Daniel Stendel admitted Hearts need new players after falling three points adrift at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership.

The German coach watched his team lose for the sixth time in seven games as Hamilton won the relegation battle 2-1 at the Fountain of Youth Stadium. He now hopes to recruit new faces during the January transfer window.

Mickel Miller and Will Collar struck in the second half before Oliver Bozanic's late consolation for the visitors. Stendel was unhappy with certain players' performances and did not hide his dismay at full-time.

"I think we fought for this result but I think it's better if I don't say too much about the game and about some performances. We can say it's all s**t but we have two games next week and we need to get our heads up," he said, mindful that Hearts host Hibs on Boxing Day and Aberdeen three days later.

"I think we need to change things - either with some players coming back or we need some different players. Maybe not everything I want fitted today but we had chances to score and we did not score. The problem is not from the last two weeks but from a long time before.

"Hamilton had a good chance in the first half but after that we controlled the game. Until they scored, there was nothing. We need to block the ball at the first goal and the second goal was the same. I wouldn't say it was just mistakes but you can watch the ball - the goal is still in the centre.

"I can't say any more. I am really disappointed. I take the responsibility for the last two weeks and the last three results but it is very difficult with some performances."

Naismith captained Hearts on his return from a hamstring problem which sidelined him for the last three games. However, he was forced off at the interval with a possible back-related issue.

"Naismith tried and he wanted to help the team," said Stendel. "He was hurt in the first half and we made the decision to take him off. I think it was a little bit of his back. He has had some problems and we know it is not so easy, especially on the Hamilton pitch.

"He wanted to help the team and other players can see his mentality for this club. Steven MacLean has also played a lot of games for other clubs. They are not the youngest players in our squad but they give everything for this club. That's what I expect from every player."