Paulo Sergio provides Benfica vs Hearts verdict as he sends 'spectacular' love letter to adoring Jambos
The former Tynecastle gaffer has provided his thoughts on how he feels Benfica vs Hearts will go down.
Paulo Sergio admits Hearts face a daunting Europa League third round qualifier versus Benfica this Thursday.
The 2012 Scottish Cup-winning manager has watched on over the opening matches of Wouter Vrancken’s head coach tenure. Off the back of a second-place finish in the Premiership last term, the Jambos lost 6-0 on aggregate during their Champions League second round qualifier versus Sturm Graz, and Aberdeen defeated them 2-1 in their league opener. Portuguese boss Sergio watched the Sturm Graz matches and noted a team in transition but it doesn’t come any easier against heavyweights from his homeland.
They thumped St Gallen 5-0 at home after a surprise first leg loss to the Swiss outfit but Sergio feels Marco Silva’s side are steps ahead of Hearts right now. That makes it a colossal ask for the Jambos to try and avoid dropping into the Conference League play-offs.
Benfica vs Hearts verdict from Paulo Sergio
Sergio said: “Benfica are overwhelming favourites. Hearts had a fantastic season last year and fought for the title until the last matchday, with Rangers and Celtic far below their usual level. This helped the competitiveness of the league, which was more levelled down. With a smaller budget, however, Hearts had a fantastic season. Many players left and came in.
“The coach Derek McInnes went to Rangers , taking with him striker Lawrence Shankland, and midfielder Cameron Devlin . They are rebuilding. I watched both games against Sturm Graz . Benfica are the complete favourites. In this last game, it was already clear what Marco [Silva] wants, a lot has come out of the coach, the strategy and the steps he is taking were clear. Benfica are many steps ahead.”
Sergio also reflected on his relationship with the Hearts support. He is held in hero status due to his involvement in 2012 thrashing of city rivals Hibs and songs from boozers in Graz serenading him reminded the ex-Jambos gaffer, now at Moroccan side Wydad AC, how special his Gorgie connection is.
Paulo Sergio on relationship with Hearts fans
He added in an interview with A Bola: “I can't complain about being mistreated at the clubs I've worked for. I've always had rewarding experiences and good relationships everywhere. I follow all the clubs I've been at but Hearts is special. Last week, a group of Hearts fans sent me a video of them singing a song in a bar in Austria.
“They followed the team against Sturm Graz in the second qualifying round for the Champions League. They went a few days before to visit and sent me that. We have a very funny relationship. Last year, they invited me to watch a Hearts game as part of a foundation initiative. We have a spectacular relationship. It's a great pleasure to feel that.”