Source: Team_Talk
Domestic focus for Hearts
Hearts manager Paulo Sergio has played down Vladimir Romanov's SPL title goal and insisted his side are focused on Aberdeen and not Tottenham.[LNB] Hearts host Aberdeen in the SPL on Saturday, with Sergio seeking his first league win in charge, before next Thursday's Europa League play-off clash with Spurs at Tynecastle.[LNB]While Spurs is an eagerly-anticipated fixture, Sergio was keen to emphasise the importance of the Dons clash and the SPL, in which, according to the Portuguese, Rangers and Celtic are still clear favourites.[LNB]Asked if it was realistic for Hearts to achieve Romanov's goal of the SPL title, Sergio, who was appointed 10 days ago, said: "He hasn't said it's going to be this year.[LNB]"We can start work to fight with the big ones.[LNB]"We're going to fight every weekend, every match, but maybe there's a big differences between the clubs, the two big ones in Scotland and the others."[LNB]For the Jambos to have any hope of a title challenge, they need to start winning, rather than looking ahead to Europe.[LNB]Sergio added: "No Spurs talk, just Aberdeen. Seriously, I'm not joking.[LNB]"I don't think about that (Tottenham) and I don't talk about that with my players.[LNB]"The players know they have to be focused on Aberdeen, because it's the next game.[LNB]"I'm not worried about Tottenham right now."[LNB]Sergio is, though, analysing Spurs ahead of their visit to Edinburgh, which will now be their first competitive match of the season, something which could be an advantage to Hearts.[LNB]On Friday it was announced Spurs' Premier League match with Everton has been postponed as a result of the rioting which has engulfed London and elsewhere.[LNB]Speaking before the Premier League's announcement, Sergio said: "We can't lose time thinking about possibilities. All I wish is for the problems to be solved in England."[LNB]A high work ethic is key for Sergio, who believes his squad - when all the players are fit - is capable of challenging the Old Firm, with a couple of additions.[LNB]He added: "We are talking about that (signings), but I don't talk in public.[LNB]"I think when all the people come with me to the pitch and don't stay with the medical staff, we're going to be strong.[LNB]"And if we can make a few adjustments, I think we can have a strong team.[LNB]"I'm sure when the team is all working together we can achieve a lot."[LNB]The Jambos are currently plagued by injury concerns, with Andy Webster and Mehdi Taouil (both groin) still struggling along with long-term absentees Kevin Kyle (hip) and Calum Elliot (knee).[LNB]David Templeton (ankle), Adrian Mrowiec (knee), Jamie Hamill (leg) and Stephen Elliott (dead leg) have also been a cause for concern in the first week of Sergio's reign.[LNB]Elliott is poised to miss the Dons clash, but Templeton, Mrowiec and Hamill should be fit.[LNB]A number of squad members have been away on international duty, while Danny Grainger has been granted leave to be with his pregnant partner in hospital.[LNB]"It has not been ideal," Sergio said.[LNB]As well as the injured, Ian Black will miss the Dons clash due to suspension following his straight red card in the 1-0 loss at Motherwell.[LNB]Hearts contemplated an appeal, but Sergio's main concern is addressing a disciplinary record which has been poor in recent seasons and which has resulted in absences due to suspensions.[LNB]He added: "I want my players playing hard, but in a legal way.[LNB]"I need the players playing, not in the dressing room."[LNB]On Black's challenge, he said: "I think there was no bad intention.[LNB]"We thought about that (appealing), but it was the third game, let's have some patience."
