Worrying signs for Vrancken's Hearts after Champions League exit

Hearts suffered a heavy 6-0 aggregate defeat to Sturm Graz in the Champions League second qualifying round, sparking sharp criticism from former forward Ryan Stevenson. He described the performance as "worrying" and a "rude awakening", highlighting a lack of connection between the players and the fans.

The loss is the club's heaviest two-legged European defeat. Just 73 days earlier, Hearts had come within minutes of a historic title win at Celtic Park, but have since lost talisman Lawrence Shankland, midfielder Cammy Devlin, and the manager. New boss Wouter Vrancken has brought in 11 new signings, but the team looked disjointed in both legs.

Stevenson said: "Hearts look like a new squad flung together. You don't get time in football – games come thick and fast. If results don't come, we all know what Tynecastle is like. It can be electric, but can these players handle the stadium turning?" He predicted that if things don't improve, it could get ugly by mid-September.

Despite conceding six goals, Hearts had promising spells in attack but lacked a clinical finish, failing to score from an expected goals (xG) of 2.6. It was their first home loss in 15 months, and many fans left early. Vrancken admitted the games came too soon physically, saying: "It's not about quality. Against a side like Sturm Graz, we have to make steps physically."

The Scottish Premiership campaign begins on Saturday with a tricky trip to Aberdeen, where Hearts have lost 10 of their last 11 league visits. Stevenson is genuinely worried, saying: "If you are Aberdeen, you'll steamroll them. They look so weak." He doubts the current squad can finish third.

Vrancken struck an optimistic note, insisting they must take it step by step. "We can't wait until we're physically top to start getting results. We have to go into games like we did today, but hopefully finish it," he said.