Hearts legend and former coach, John Robertson, watched as the team drew with Moldovan team Petrocub in a crucial Europa Conference League match. He pointed out that the biggest issue for Hearts was the lack of creativity in the midfield, specifically calling out players Alan Forrest and Yan Dhanda. Robertson stressed the importance of having a strong midfield presence, highlighting the success of the Petrocub strikers who had support from their teammates in the middle of the park. He also offered specific advice for Forrest and Dhanda to improve their contributions in a 4-4-2 formation.
Hearts Legend John Robertson Calls for Midfield Creativity After Europa Conference League Draw
Hearts legend John Robertson has expressed his concerns over the team's lack of creativity in the midfield following their 1-1 draw with Moldovan side Petrocub in the Europa Conference League.
Robertson, who played for Hearts during their European Cup Final appearance in 1986 and later managed the club, highlighted the lack of support from the midfield for the strikers as a major issue.
"The biggest issue for Hearts was the lack of creativity in the midfield," Robertson told the Daily Record. "Alan Forrest and Yan Dhanda were not getting into good positions and not creating enough chances for the strikers."
Robertson went on to stress the importance of a strong midfield presence.
"Petrocub's strikers were getting good service from their midfielders, which allowed them to cause a lot of problems for our defense," he said. "We need to be better at controlling the midfield if we want to progress in this competition."
Robertson also offered specific advice for Forrest and Dhanda, suggesting that they should play closer together in a 4-4-2 formation.
"This would allow them to combine more effectively and create more chances for the strikers," Robertson said.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
John Robertson is a Hearts legend who played for the club from 1983 to 1998 and again from 2001 to 2004. He was also the club's manager from 2005 to 2006.
The Europa Conference League is a new UEFA club competition which was launched in 2021. It is the third-tier European club competition, below the Champions League and the Europa League.
Hearts qualified for the Europa Conference League by winning the Scottish Cup in 2022.
The match between Hearts and Petrocub ended in a 1-1 draw.
Robertson advised Forrest and Dhanda to play closer together in a 4-4-2 formation in order to improve their creativity.
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