Are there already worrying signs for Vrancken's Hearts?

What the report says

BBC Sport Scotland reported that Wouter Vrancken’s start as Hearts head coach has come under early scrutiny after the club were eliminated from Champions League qualifying by Sturm Graz. A 2-0 defeat at Tynecastle completed a 6-0 aggregate loss, described by the BBC as Hearts’ heaviest two-legged European defeat, and former Hearts forward Ryan Stevenson gave a sharply critical assessment of the team’s condition.

The report said Hearts have undergone major summer change after last season’s near title success, with Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin and manager Derek McInnes among those leaving for Rangers. The squad has added 11 players, but Stevenson said the side looked newly assembled and lacking a bond with supporters. BBC Sport noted Hearts had chances across the tie, with an expected-goals total of 2.6, but failed to score, while some fans left early during the home defeat — the club’s first at Tynecastle in 15 months.

Vrancken argued the ties arrived too early in terms of physical preparation, saying the issue was not quality but the need to build sharpness and make better decisions late in attacks. He said Hearts must still find results while fitness improves. The BBC also pointed out that several starters in both legs were already at the club last season, adding context to concerns about the team’s cohesion.

Hearts now move into their Scottish Premiership opener away to Aberdeen on Saturday, a fixture the BBC framed as difficult given their poor recent league record at Pittodrie. The defeat matters because it raises questions about how quickly a reshaped Hearts squad can meet expectations domestically while still pursuing Europa League or Conference League football.