Hearts will be confident - Makaun

According to Sports.

Context

Ryan Macoun, the former Hearts defender, is confident of the club's potential on the international stage. His experience and understanding of European football could have an impact on the current squad, which is going through changes after last season. Success in Champions League qualification could be a major step for Hearts in their quest for more.

Why is this important

Hearts' success in the Champions League could significantly improve their status on the European stage. This will not only give the club a chance to reach the group stage of the Europa League, but will also attract attention to the team, which could help in transfer policy. Ryan Macoun stresses that the focus on European football makes the club more attractive to potential players.

Key takeaways

• Hearts will be confident - Makaun.
• Edinburgh Hearts are preparing for their first Champions League qualifying match in 20 years.
• Hearts will be quietly confident - McGowan.

Edinburgh Hearts are set for a successful run in the Champions League, says former defender Ryan Macoun. He stresses the club will place a "huge emphasis" on European football as they prepare for their first Champions League qualifying match in 20 years this season. The Edinburgh team are in Austria, where they will face Sturm in the first match of the second round. Victory in this match will ensure they meet one of the clubs - Fenerbahce or Gornik Zabrze, and also guarantee access to the group stage of the Europa League.

“Hearts will be confident,” Macoun tells the BBC Scottish Football podcast. "They're not playing against a heavyweight, but it's still going to be a tough game. It's a big test to see where they stand. They're hoping to get some results to stay in contention."

Club investor Tony Bloom has already enjoyed success in Europe with the likes of Brighton and Union Saint-Gilloise, and Macoun believes this is key to the transfer model used by all three clubs. “There will be a huge emphasis on European football as it makes the club more attractive to players and provides greater sales opportunities,” adds the Livingston veteran. “If they can get past this round, they have big, important games ahead of them.”

After Macoun described last season as "almost perfect" - Hearts went undefeated at home and missed out on the title to Celtic in the final round - the club are undergoing significant changes to their squad. Head coach Derek McInnes left for Rangers, along with top players such as Lawrence Shankland and Camie Devlin. Wouter Vranken took over as head coach and has already signed nine new players.

“Yes, there was anger when they lost their coach and top scorer, but looking at the bigger picture there is real excitement,” adds Macoun. "A lot of fans I've spoken to feel that if Hearts are to become the club Tony Bloom wants them to be, then Derek McInnes probably wasn't the man to take them to the next level - winning the league and winning the European title."

Midfielder Laurent Mendy is likely to join Hearts ahead of the home match against Sturm, while Claudio Braga's future has been the subject of ongoing speculation in the media. The Portuguese striker, signed from the Norwegian Second League, claims he is comfortable in Edinburgh, but Macoun has no doubt the 26-year-old will leave the club - if the right offer comes along. "If Hearts can get the sums that are being discussed, between £6 million and £10 million, then he will go. Hearts will be happy to sell him! It's the Tony Bloom template and it has worked for him.They are confident they can find more players like Braga to provide them with a platform to grow. But Braga says he is happy at the club and if he is offered a place in the group stages of European competition, he will have no reason not to stay until the right offer arrives.

What happens next

Hearts are preparing for an important match against Sturm, and a victory in this match will open the door to a meeting with clubs such as Fenerbahce or Gornik Zabrze. If the team can get past this round, it will create opportunities for further success in the Champions League and Europa League. It is important that Hearts use this opportunity to strengthen their position in European football.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the Hearts club?

Edinburgh Hearts are preparing for their first Champions League qualifying match in 20 years.

Who confirmed Hearts' self-confidence?

Hearts' self-confidence was confirmed by former defender Ryan Macoun.

Why is Hearts now focusing on European football?

Hearts is focusing on European football to become more attractive to players and increase sales opportunities.

What changes have occurred in the Hearts lineup?

There have been significant changes to Hearts' squad, including the departure of head coach Derek McInnes and top players such as Lawrence Shankland.

What happens if Hearts win the first match against Sturm?

If Hearts win the first match against Sturm, they will face one of the clubs - Fenerbahce or Gornik Zabrze - and have a chance to qualify for the Europa League group stage.

Similar articles

• What the rosters of 20 Serie A teams will look like: confirmations and newcomers
• Manchester United are ahead of the competition in the fight for the midfielder
• World Cup 2026: will Gianni Infantino be able to hold the tournament with 64