Simo Valakari: Key points from the press conference

Head coach Simo Valakari sat down with the broadcast media ahead of our William Hill Premiership match against Hearts on Saturday afternoon. 

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Catch up with some of the key moments from Friday afternoon's press conference below.

REFLECTIONS ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT…

“This is football. We have recovered very well mentally and physically from Wednesday night and we are ready for tomorrow’s match.

“I think we all saw what our team is capable of. Now it is just a matter of doing it more and more often through the 90 minutes.

“In the start of the second half, it was too much pressure on us. The goal was coming and we could not stop that pressure. In football, you will suffer. But how short can we make those suffering moments?

“It has not been any surprise to me how my players can play. They show it in a high-pressure environment.

“But, at the same time, we need to learn how to get out of ‘bad’ moments when we are under pressure. That is what we have been talking about.

“I liked the braveness. We knew the opponent would press us, make it difficult and hit long balls behind our backline. Still we tried to keep a high line.

“Those things made me happy – that the players are brave enough in difficult conditions. Then it is a matter of time that we become better overall. We are in a good position.”

ON WELCOMING HEARTS…

“I see it as a big opportunity for us. I see it as a beautiful game to play in front of our home fans in our home stadium.

“We are playing against a very good footballing team. For whatever reason they are there [in the table], they have quality.

“We need to concentrate on our thing and be ready. As always, it is all about us. We look at this as an opportunity to play in front of our own fans, be positive, be brave and do all the little details as well as possible.

“Against a quality team, if you sleep for one moment, they will punish you.”

ON CONFIDENCE IN WHAT YOU’VE SEEN SO FAR…

“I saw this team from videos before I came in. Then I came in and saw all the players and people, and what kind of club we are.

“That gave me confidence that we can be successful. What I liked the most is the work ethic of the players, the staff and the people inside the club.

“They are ready to work for this one common goal. That gives you confidence. Nobody can control the results in football.

“But, if we can push and push, enjoy what we do and improve step by step different things on and off the field, that gives me confidence to push as high as possible.”

ON TEAM NEWS…

“Of course, Lewis [Neilson] is on loan and cannot participate. Otherwise, it is very good news. Andre [Raymond] is touch and go. Let’s see how he is. It is a game-time decision with him. If everything goes good, Bozo should be clear, I believe, next week.”

ON BEING IN THE DUGOUT AT HOME…

“I have already seen our fans and they are great. Our job as a team is to give them joy, give them emotions and enjoyment to watch their own team and their own stadium. I know we are ready to do that.”