Neil Critchley insisted Hearts did not deserve to lose after they dropped their first Conference League points in a 2-0 defeat at home to Bundesliga side Heidenheim.
The Edinburgh outfit, who had won their first two games in the competition, were on top in the first half and spurned a host of chances to get themselves in front.
However, the Germans gained the upper hand after the break and broke the deadlock in the 57th minute through Sirlord Conteh before Jan Schoppner sealed their win in the last minute.
“You have to score when you’re on top,” said Critchley. “You have to take those chances. We weren’t clinical in front of goal, and then we’ve got punished by two real moments of quality, the first goal in particular.
“I’m disappointed with the result but not the performance. I thought we played just equally as well tonight as we did against Omonia. We just didn’t score when we were on top.
“If we had taken our chances, then I think the game was there for us to win. I thought the attitude of the players and mentality was good. We went right to the end. I’m just disappointed.
“Sometimes you don’t get what you deserve. And I don’t think we got what we deserved tonight.
“We played against good opposition. We went toe-to-toe in a real good competitive game, European game, good atmosphere, and, unfortunately, we’ve come out the wrong side tonight.”
Hearts are currently 12th in the 36-team Conference League table and, with a trip to Cercle Brugge next up in three weeks, remain on course to stay in the competition beyond Christmas.
“Yeah, I think we’re pretty well placed,” he said. “Winning tonight would have helped, but if we keep producing that level of performance, then we’ll win games of football.
“The test for us is to keep showing that mentality, keep showing the same attitude, keep showing the ability that we showed on the ball as well.
“We produced some really good moves, good moments. The only thing missing tonight was the final bit.”
Heidenheim have won all three of their matches ahead of their visit from Chelsea in four weeks. Manager Frank Schmidt said: “It was a difficult first half, so well done to Hearts for that.
“They made it really difficult for us. Hearts played very well.
“They really put us under pressure. I also think after a couple of less-than-ideal results, our confidence was not so high.
“We managed to get more involved in the second half, we were defensively strong and more clinical in attack.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal 3-0 Nottm Forest Leicester 1-2 Chelsea Pray for City! Club football is back Harry Kane recreated the Bundesliga logo When you order Jack Grealish on Wish This Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC)...
The France striker has been linked with Manchester United in recent days.And as he battles to work his way into Chelsea's starting XI this season, Nkunku is said to be considering his options.United and PSG have both been linked with the striker.But the Athletic says Chelsea have ruled out parting with Nkunku in January....
Diomande has been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City this season.Andersen coached the defender with Midtjylland U19s and told O Jogo: “I can understand that there is a lot of enthusiasm around Diomande and that big clubs are after him, because he has been very well. "They're crazy values, you've reached a point where you start to wonder if they belong there. I talk to...
Trivela says Real are considering a move for the Brazilian veteran in January.Real management recognise the retirement of Toni Kroos has left a massive void, which has led to discussions about bringing Casemiro back to the club.It's believed Casemiro would have a big impact on the pitch and in the dressing room at Real, which are struggling for consistency this season.The 32 year-old left Real for...
Arsenal and Liverpool to lock horns in January for ZubimendiReal Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a prime target for Liverpool, but Arsenal are reportedly keen on rivalling the Merseyside club for his signature. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are preparing a second bid for the standout player, with a January transfer seen as a strong possibility. They are determined to land Zu...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Jack Grealish joked about Pep Guardiola's reaction if he went on I'm a Celeb this year Man City vs Spurs this weekend… Cristiano Ronaldo Mudryppe Throw back to the most crazy substitution in football history... Kylian Mbappe vs Tree When everyone keeps calling you a one season wonder but you're just a chill guy. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will...
Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of his first game for the Red Devils against Ipswich on Sunday.Man Utd are planning some major transfers to bolster Ruben Amorim's teamThe club are reportedly considering returning for Jarrad BranthwaiteJamie Carragher is intrigued to see how such a "radical" move with work mid-season, while Amorim himself has warned fans they will need to prepare for some "hard ...
The center half is one of the most sought after young talents in the world at present.Per football.london, both Arsenal and United are keen to sign him in the summer.However, the source states that United are very much in the ascendancy in this respect.Having hired Ruben Amorim, who was previously Diomande's manager at Sporting CP, gives them a big edge.Diomande may also base his decision on wheth...
Javier Mascherano is set to become the new head coach of Inter Miami in the upcoming days as the two parties finalize contract negotiations, sources have confirmed to ESPN.Mascherano will leave his post as manager of Argentina's youth team to lead Lionel Messi and the Herons throughout the 2025 campaign. He replaces Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who exits the club after a year and a half due to personal...
Kolo Muani Linked with January Premier League LoanParis Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani could secure a temporary move to the Premier League in January, according to Caught Offside. The French international, who has faced limited playing opportunities this season, is attracting interest from several English clubs. West Ham United and Newcastle United are reportedly leading the race for Kolo...
- 1 I am not a lunatic – Craig Bellamy glad to show different side in Wales dugout
- 2 Roy Keane’s daughter pictured with Taylor Harwood-Bellis for first time
- 3 Johnnie Jackson bemoans refereeing decisions after dramatic Dons draw
- 4 Ex-Prem ace asked Liverpool star for his sister's phone number
- 5 Liam Cullen leads Wales to Nations League promotion
- 6 Harry Kane’s ‘fugly’ £7,200 statue branded ‘stuff of nightmares’ unveiled
- 7 Mascherano nears Miami; Martino exits
- 8 Daily Laugh - Trossard suffers an injury
- 9 Daily Laugh - Antony and his latest ManUtd session
- 10 Andy Robertson marks 80th Scotland cap with stoppage-time winner in Poland