Hearts boss targets another title tilt despite style change

What the report says

Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken says he is aiming to match last season’s strong Scottish Premiership finish even though the club has undergone major changes in personnel and playing style. Speaking ahead of his league debut away to Aberdeen on Saturday, Vrancken said the rebuilt squad must adapt quickly to a “different style of play” while still chasing results as soon as possible.

BBC Sport reports that Hearts finished second last season after pushing Celtic to the final day, but have since seen significant turnover. Derek McInnes left for Rangers, top scorer Lawrence Shankland and midfielder Cammy Devlin departed, and the club also lost its two main goalkeepers. Vrancken has brought in 12 new players and altered training methods, adding that the team’s long-term aim remains to compete as high as possible in the table.

The Edinburgh side have already been knocked out of Champions League qualifying, losing 6-0 on aggregate to Sturm Graz after a 2-0 home defeat in midweek. Vrancken said the immediate focus is on the next match and on securing a positive result at Pittodrie.

He also said he has studied Aberdeen closely and expects tactical changes under Stephen Robinson, whose first full season in charge is beginning. A win on opening day, Vrancken suggested, would be important for confidence and momentum.