Paulo Sergio names Hearts signing he's loved this season as he sends title race advice to Jambos
The former Hearts boss has been weighing in on his ex-side amid the Premiership title race.
Paulo Sergio has urged cool heads at Hearts amid the Premiership title race - as the former boss lauds one signing made by the club this season.
The 2012 Scottish Cup-winning manager was back at Tynecastle for last weekend’s 1-0 win over Dundee that moves Derek McInnes’ side three points clear at the top of the league heading into April. They face Livingston after the international break as seven games stand between them and a first title for a club outside Rangers and Celtic since 1985.
One signing who has been key is Claudio Braga, the Portuguese forward who has proven vital up front, particularly with the recent injury to Lawrence Shankland. Countryman and Hearts hero Sergio is delighted to see Braga shine in maroon and he’s now got his home nation talking about the Gorgie side.
What Hearts signing has impressed Paulo Sergio this season?
He said to the BBC: "I'm very happy with that. I didn't know the boy before but now he's at Hearts, I'm aware of the capacity of Claudio and I wish him the best. Normally our TV in Portugal shows Celtic or Rangers, but this season, they are showing the games of Hearts too. Then people start knowing Braga here in Portugal and start speaking about him. He will be remembered forever if we keep this position.”
Sergio senses stress from sections of the Jambos support but he is urging cool heads as a crucial seven-game stretch awaits. He added: "At the moment I think there is a lot of stress because of the great opportunity they have in their hands," he said. I would like the fans to control their stress and do their part.
“Sing more, support more, believe even more because with this great chance, everybody in the stand is very nervous, so sometimes they forget the role that they have to do. I think they need to keep positive and singing for the team, that will help the boys a lot. Also the boys need to focus on what they have to do. Don't be thinking about the position because sometimes this brings stress.
Paulo Sergio on Hearts title chances vs Rangers and Celtic
"Sometimes you go on the pitch thinking, 'what happens if we don't win and the other teams win?' And this doesn't allow you to have a clear mind and perform. Just be focused on what you can control, which is your performance, and the points will come naturally.
"I don't see other ones doing better. The team has been in first place all season. In my opinion, they deserve to stay there until the end. It's a season where Celtic and Rangers are not performing at the level we are used to seeing. But credit to Hearts, they have almost 70 points. This speaks about what Derek McInnes and all the people involved are doing. I hope they can keep this run and make some history for the club."
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