Christophe Berra backs key Hearts change under Wouter Vrancken as Gorgie goal rush incoming
The Hearts hero has been discussing the start to the season at Tynecastle.
Christophe Berra says Hearts look primed to become great entertainers after being left with good impressions from head coach Wouter Vrancken.
The Belgian has introduced a more attack-minded approach to predecessor Derek McInnes who came within minutes of winning the Premiership last season. Hearts have entered the international break off the back of a loss against Falkirk and draw with Kilmarnock, but still sit third in the league currently, while their league phase spot in the Conference League is banked.
Berra is set to don the maroon jersey again when playing for the Jambos at Braehead Arena on Tennent’s Sixes duty, as the legends tournament makes its comeback next month. The 2006 Scottish Cup winner has been talking all things Gorgie with the Edinburgh Evening News ahead of it. He reckons their all-action approach will reap rewards.
What is Hearts’ style under Wouter Vrancken?
Berra said: “I think with so many changes from last year, new manager, new style, new players, expectations, obviously going through in Europe as well, I think it's been a good, solid start. Obviously, the manager will be disappointed in the last two games. Falkirk, I think he put his hands up, they didn't perform. Falkirk deserved to win the game that day. Kilmarnock, I didn't catch all the game but I've seen some of it.
“Going by the manager's comments. I think it's obviously a poor goal to lose, however, they're getting in the areas that they should be taking advantage of and maybe killing teams off to a certain extent. It's not like they're not creating anything. They are giving chances up as well. The way the manager is, the way he sees his football and his style, which is fun and entertaining, they're going to be exposed at times and they're going to give goals away.
“However, they're creating chances. They're going to be disappointed in the last two games, but to score so late on and gain a point instead of losing three is a slight positive. It shows great character from the squad to keep on going to the end. In most games, I've watched quite a few of the games, they create a lot of chances.
Christophe Berra on Hearts
“The new manager has come in with a totally different philosophy, a different way of playing, probably more free-flowing, and the manager has got his own way of doing things. It's going to be more action, they're going to score a lot of goals, but they will concede goals as well, so it's going to be more entertaining. I think as long as you're winning games, it helps.
“When you start to lose games, and obviously no matter if you play defensive style football or attacking style of football, if you lose games, it's going to be question asked. There's very few teams that are going to be fully consistent throughout the season, there will be dips. You've got to remember that the manager's only been in the door maybe three or four months, He's not had that much time to bend in all these new players, all these new styles, and his new philosophy."
The SPFL Tennent's Sixes takes place at the Braehead Arena on Saturday October 3 and Sunday October 4. Tickets for afternoon and evening sessions are available via spfltennentssixes.co.uk.