Vrancken admits Hearts will need almost perfect performance to avoid another Euro exit
Wouter Vrancken admits his Hearts team will need an almost perfect performance in Austria next week if they are to reach the league phase of the UEFA Conference League.
Hearts had to settle for a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their play-off round tie against Rapid Vienna at Tynecastle after coming from behind to lead 2-1 at one stage through goals from Josh McPake and James Wilson.
Rapid hit back with a 79th-minute leveller from sub Nikolaus Wurmbrand and will be warm favourites to progress in the second leg at their Allianz Stadium next Wednesday night.
‘It’s still all open next week,’ said Hearts head coach Vrancken. ‘We knew what we could expect from Rapid. They create a lot of chances in every game they play but tonight, it wasn’t too much.
‘Structure wise, we did really good things. On the ball, we can do better. Rapid are a good side and we will have to be at the top of our game next Wednesday.
Head coach Wouter Vrancken was pleased with the mentality shown by Hearts
‘When you are at 95 per cent or 98 per cent of your game, you will not make it. But if we can do even better than we did tonight, then we have to believe we can get a good result.
‘We showed some good team spirit and mentality in the second half, coming back from 1-0 down. Of course, I’m a little disappointed we couldn’t take a lead to Vienna.
‘We tried to do good things in the first half but the conviction and pressure wasn’t there. The second half was much better. We didn’t give too much away.
‘The two goals we conceded are a pity. We could prevent those situations. But I have to say I’m really proud of the players for the energy they have shown tonight.
‘The numbers they get each week are more intense than they ever did, I think. It’s good to see.’
The highlight of the evening was an astonishing goal from Wilson who stepped off the bench in the second half and thundered a 30-yard shot beyond Rapid keeper Niklas Heidl.
James Wilson’s long distance goal will be long remembered at Tynecastle
The 19-year-old Scotland international striker looks set to reignite his career with Hearts after spending the second half of last season on loan with Tottenham’s under-21 squad.
‘I’m really happy for James,’ added Vrancken. ‘It was a great goal. Such goals give you confidence, for sure. It is extra special for him as a young lad. He is a coachable player. Let’s hope he can make the next steps in his career.’
Rapid manager Johannes Thorup was frustrated by his team’s start to the second half but is confident they can finish off the job at home.
‘I was satisfied with our first half performance, we had more control than Hearts and created bigger chances,’ he said.
‘We wanted to avoid a momentum change in the second half, with the crowd getting behind Hearts, but unfortunately that happened and we conceded two goals during that period.
‘But I’m pretty happy with 2-2 in the end. In our own stadium, we have to dominate the game more and we believe we can do that.’
