Match Day Thread Heart of Midlothian FC v Sunderland AFC - Saturday 26th July 2025 - KO 15:00

Yeah me either. Agree on Hume and it’s leaving Talbi playing like a rwb much of the time.

 

I do think that's by design though - interesting to see if they stick with it. Allows Diarra (or Rigg or whoever is playing as that right sided 8/in the half space) and Mayenda to drift out there more freely.

 

Yeah indeed. Guess it calls into question why we’ve gone with Talbi for that role though. Feels like it doesn’t maximise him. Maybe more of a classic right midfielder type with a more obvious passing game would have fitted better. Mind I’m not sure that player type exists any more

 

Shouldn't overreact, these games are for fitness and trialling tactics, they're not all going to work and learning this now is better than learning it against West Ham etc

 

absolutely shocking from first whistle to last only good thing it is pre season game hopefully some good news on signings soon

 

Good to get this out the way now at least and not in a couple of weeks time. GK and CB have to be addressed pre West Ham imo.

Still think rw is a position we should be in for too.

 

Pre season friendly loss to Team whose season starts next week In a testimonial. End of world incoming!!

Despite very good performances before this in other pre season games. Let’s forget that we played well and concentrate solely on the negative from today.
Glad I was too busy to be logged in to watch and to partake in the forum posts!! (This post is not aimed at everyone by the way, just those who are blatantly trying to make out things the end of the world as they regularly do!)

 

It's OK
I'm blaming @mick65

 

1 goal scored in 3 games says a lot

 

Was just chatting to my hearts mate, really clued up on football so always like hearing his views

He said he was most disappointed with Mayenda today, he's a big fan but felt he offered nothing at all and Halkett had an easy time against him

He said you could clearly tell hearts are ready for their seasons and their boys are fit from having played competitive games so far. He said it was clear as day we just aren't ready yet, he made a great point tho and said 'but you shouldn't be'.

We are building our fitness, and i would rather games like this and mistakes like the ones we made to happen now than in 3 weeks

Definitely a disappointing performance but it's the best time to have it

I hope everyone had a good day out in Edinburgh (bar the football) and safe trip home

 

cheers again RTB...

not quite sure what i was expecting today but that was not it.

not going to single anyone out as the entire squad (starters and subs) looked disjointed, i can see why dan neil is getting stick as it was his first start and previous games the midfield looked good but being fair they all had a day off which happens now and then, the good thing is they can work on it and hopefully get it right for when it matters.

in the main hearts did not have to try too hard, our passing was dire, workrate was dire and i would like to say our finishing was dire but never saw any to make a comment on.

a couple of experiments in there i guess, maybe an agreement between coach's about playing styles but whatever it was i hope it is not what our 'daily' play will be.

 

Eli is **** scared of Scottish people clearly

 

He just hates Edinburgh

 

If we don't wake up on Tuesday it might be 3 in a row.

 

The reality check could be a good thing. We’ve had the euphoria of the play offs and been the dominant side against both Sevilla and Sporting Lisbon when we played at full strength.

Today should you have to be on it all the time no matter who the opponent is.

 

Not read all the pages but was anything mentioned on why Triantis and Johnson weren't in the squad today?

I know Triantis had been suffering from a knock in Spain so guessed it was because of that

 

Cheers Scout

 

Only seen this from James Copley / Phil Smith:

Le Bris did confirm that Wilson Isidor should be available again when Real Betis visit Wearside next weekend, after the striker missed the defeat to Hearts with a minor knee issue.
“We hope that all three will be ready for the start of the season,” Le Bris said.
“Wilson will probably be available after the Hull game, so he is not too far away. For Patto and Riggy, it will take a bit longer. It will probably take more like ten days for them to be able to take part in full competition. By that stage, they should be back doing everything, so hopefully they will have a chance for the first game. It’s possible.

 

Appreciate it @RTB

I wondered if both might be close to leaving, which would mean we are close to arrivals but clutching a bit