Naismith talks about the team’s compromises after three-match weekHearts must start over after they have experienced their second consecutive loss following a run of four victories.
Steven Naismith’s team was destroyed by Rangers at Tynecastle following a valiant victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, with Abdullah Sima completing the crushing defeat. The true heartbreak, though, will come from Saturday’s loss to Aberdeen. Following another strike from Lawrence Shankland to put the Dons ahead 1-0, two goals from the latter half saw the three points evaporate.
With players like Halkett, McKay, and Atkinson finally getting back into the fold, Naismith is starting to have almost his entire roster at his disposal, and he plans to make the most of it.
Naismith responded to the Edinburgh Evening News when they questioned if he liked having a stable squad that always plays the same starting lineup: “I’m the opposite.” Every game is unique. It’s challenging for the players initially because someone could perform well one game and then not start the next.
“As a player, I wouldn’t have enjoyed that. However, the nature of the game is evolving, and I think that if you give up too much in the forward sections, where quick reflexes can make the difference between winning and losing, you’ll find yourself playing game after game—especially three in a week. When that wanes, you are unable to defeat your partner.
Thus, sharpness plays a crucial role. As a player, I discovered that and coped with it.
“Forward sections show more change. However, every game is unique. We approach playing Kilmarnock at Kilmarnock by altering our strategy. It contradicted several aspects of my ideal playing style.
“But in Scottish football, it’s a must, and it affects who you play and who you bench.” Yes, I think you have to give in.
The former Hearts player thinks that his team’s rotation has helped them get past their early season tiredness. Their performance in European games, Cup competitions, and league competitions was evident, but Naismith thinks that experience has prepared them for the recent three-match weeks.
Naismith responded, “Partly that rotation and we’re fortunate our squad is in a good place and we can make that rotation,” when asked how the Jambos handle the aforementioned “fatigue.”
“We’re not changing the team or the system; we’re not sacrificing on our goals. That is beneficial. The more time passes, the more the players comprehend our anguish and rage over not being able to play the following game.
There is a greater awareness that I may play in the next game, which is in three days. What matters is how all of them work together.
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