Hearts reaction as Wouter Vrancken sends a message to Amadou Ba-Sy and MJ Kamson-Kamara

Premier Sports Cup win over Inverness saw six goals scored

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Wouter Vrancken praised Hearts’ composure following their 6-2 Premier Sports Cup win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle. His team saw their 1-0 half-time lead turned into a 2-1 deficit early in the second half, but they recovered to move convincingly into the quarter-finals thanks to a strong final 15 minutes.

Christian Borchgrevink scored first but Inverness overhauled the Norwegian’s first Hearts goal when Ryan Duncan equalised and Alfie Bavidge put the visitors ahead at Tynecastle Park. The hosts restored parity through Rogers Mato, who also celebrated his first strike in maroon. Then came four late strikes as Calvin Miller converted a penalty, James Wilson headed home, then Claudio Braga and Miller again completed the scoring.

“I think it was also a good lesson, the part in the second half. The good thing is that we didn't panic afterwards,” said Vrancken. “We have to take lessons because sometimes I like to see us try to be positive, constructive football. But I don't like it when we do it on our own goal line. Sometimes we did it too low without progression in the game. So this is not a goal because we want to progress when we play. But it's good to show now and to go with that.

“I think in some situations also we were too nervous maybe or too direct in transition moments in defence. So we gave it away instead of staying calm, overviewing, doing the right things. So also this is a good thing to take with us to the next game and to the analysis. But again, of course, also a lot of good things. A lot of good football, a lot of good goals. And like I said, we came behind, didn't panic and turned it around. So there's also a quality you need in a season.

“It's different when you play Benfica who come high and give spaces away. So you can use those spaces. It's a totally different game and not easy when you play a side who is really deep. Then you have to make the difference there. But again, we scored six goals so I’m happy to see this. It's a quality you need also when you find your football. And you can be dominant and then you need those moments. It's good to experience that. Also good on the pitch.

“Some players were good, some not that good. But they have to adapt and they have to progress, I think. You see also the adaptation on the physical side of the side of football. Some have to make steps in this. You see also that when you bring some guys on the pitch, that you have this extra energy, extra quality on that side. And that you dominate the game directly or take it directly in your hands.

“But it's good also to feel for a lot of players. Because when you're coming from abroad, lower tier, then you have to adapt on those things as fast as possible. But you have to learn it and you have to want to adapt it. That's the most important thing when you go forward.”

Vrancken replaced French striker Amadou Ba-Sy with Wilson at half-time, and the young Scot produced a fine display capped with a header for his team’s fourth goal. Vrancken was unequivocal when asked why the change was made. “More energy,” he replied. “I think when you're on the pitch, especially when you have to show yourself, I expect that you show the energy in all moments of the game. I can understand that you're having a bad day, for example, or that the touches are not good or when you touch the ball or control the ball. And that's normal. This is part of football, part of being a human in sports. But you have to show every moment, for me, energy - energy in what we want. And that's why, actually.”

Ba-Sy was signed from French third division side Rouen this summer and is still adjusting to the intensity of Scottish football. “I’m not disappointed with his attitude. I think he doesn't do it on purpose,” added Vrancken. “I think it's also one of those guys who have to adapt a little bit on the way we play and the league. Also coming from lower tier, so it's not so easy, especially with a different style of play there. Where he played and coming here. This is an adaptation. And the difference in level, that's an adaptation. So it will need time. But we have to keep working on it. Or he has to keep working on it. And every moment of game time, he has to try to go for it. Not only him, of course, but everybody. And that's how you get better as a team.”

Vrancken plans to speak to the player this week. “I'll talk with him in the coming days and then we'll see how he understands, how he gets it, and how he will cope with this. But this is important to understand it,” said the Belgian. “And to see it also from yourself and to work on it when you want to get better. So I don't want to hear excuses, for example. Because we don't live on excuses. And we'll see. But again, we are, as a staff, very open to work. And let them see. And work with them. And try to make them a better individual. And then the other side is the player. Take the responsibility for yourself to want to get better.”

Hearts defender MJ Kamson-Kamara did not make the squad against Inverness, and Vrancken also explained why. “He's okay. Like I said, same thing. I want from every player that they show every second the energy to want to be part of it on the pitch. When it's one minute or when it's 90 minutes or more. You have to grab your chance and put every energy in it when you're not ready to do it. Then I have a problem with it. So I want to see it from him, from every player in the squad.”