Source: Team_Talk
Romanov sets SPL title target
Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov has set his players the goal of winning the Scottish Premier League.[LNB] Captain Marius Zaliukas revealed that the owner's high expectations were relayed on Monday, when the Russian-born businessman announced that Jim Jefferies would be replaced as manager by Paulo Sergio.[LNB]Jefferies lost his job despite leading Hearts to third place in what proved to be the only full season of his second spell in charge.[LNB]His team even provided hope they could challenge the Old Firm, sitting five points behind Celtic in January.[LNB]But striker Kevin Kyle got injured and Hearts eventually finished 30 points behind champions Rangers, before Jefferies paid the price for a run of one win in 14 matches, which stretched into this season.[LNB]Zaliukas, speaking at the club's pre-match media conference for their Europa League second leg against Paks, said: "Obviously we know the statistic we didn't win in 14 games.[LNB]"But since the season started I thought it wasn't very bad. We drew at Ibrox and in the Europa League.[LNB]"Okay, we lost at home (against Dundee United). Maybe we should forget the past but probably Romanov didn't forget. He wasn't happy with results."[LNB]The Lithuania defender added: "In February everyone was talking about a three-horse race for the championship. But we couldn't make it and Vladimir was disappointed.[LNB]"He said in our meeting two days ago that he wants to get the title. Hopefully we're going to do it."[LNB]When asked if that goal was realistic, he said: "As soon as possible we adapt to what the manager wants from us and we'll see.[LNB]"He said he wants it and we will see in eight months."[LNB]Zaliukas, for one, was surprised at Romanov's decision to remove Jefferies, who took over from Csaba Laszlo in January 2010.[LNB]But the players now have to focus on Paks, who come to Tynecastle needing to score following a 1-1 first-leg draw.[LNB]"No-one saw that coming but that's part of football," he said of Jefferies' dismissal.[LNB]"We are going to miss Jim because we had a good relationship.[LNB]"Jim has a history here, he is a good manager and a good man.[LNB]"It was unexpected to everyone but we have to deal with it and focus on the game."[LNB]Zaliukas was sidelined by Romanov at the start of last season amid a contract impasse and removed from the team to face Rangers in May because referee Iain Brines had sent him off twice previously.[LNB]The 27-year-old has been at Tynecastle for five years now but the departure of Jefferies, who rejected a role as director of football, shocked even him.[LNB]"I'm not used to it for at least the last couple of years," he said.[LNB]"We had just two managers. Maybe every 18 months it's time to change."[LNB]
