Hearts aim to rebound as Braga vows focus and Vrancken urges forward drive
Hearts striker Claudio Braga says he will stay committed to the club despite transfer talk, while new coach Wouter Vrancken tells the squad to concentrate on the upcoming match at Aberdeen.
Claudio Braga, the Portuguese forward who earned PFA Scotland Player of the Year in his debut season, told one outlet News he will not be swayed by rumors and will honor his Hearts contract unless a compelling offer emerges. He noted that the narrow title loss at Celtic Park has heightened the team’s hunger to succeed this year. New head coach Wouter Vrancken, who succeeded Derek McInnes after his move to Rangers, advised the squad to leave last season’s missed opportunity behind and focus on what lies ahead.
Vrancken highlighted the importance of confidence as Hearts seek their first victory at Aberdeen’s Pittodrie stadium since 2016. The summer saw the exit of captain Lawrence Shankland and midfielder Cammy Devlin to Rangers, while ten newcomers arrived and loan players Stuart Findlay and Rogers Mato signed permanently. Both Braga and Vrancken stressed that the club’s energy must be directed toward the present challenges rather than transfer speculation.
Why it matters
Hearts' approach to the season opener could set the tone for their title challenge after a painful near-miss last year.
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