Hearts boss Steven Naismith says he can handle the criticism that comes his way over the team’s start to the season but believes that form will turn around to provide long-term success.
The Tynecastle side has endured a difficult start, being knocked out of Europe and winning only three of their ten league games so far.
Defeat to Rangers on Sunday, when Hearts were winning until two late, late goals gave the hosts a 2-1 win, leaves the team in seventh place and with the manager open to criticism from fans.
The 37-year-old, who is in his first managerial job, says the noise won’t affect him and has belief that things will change and he will be able to provide the success that the fans hope for.
“It’s not really that different to when you’re a player,” Naismith said. “If you’re not performing you get criticised.
“You’ll get people with different opinions and they will speak their mind. In this day and age with sport social media that will happen.
“I’m comfortable where I’m sitting, I understand the demand and what is success at a club like Hearts.
“In this process, the way we work, I think in the long term we will be successful.
“I’m comfortable with it all and I understand when you’re not winning games then people criticise and start asking questions.
“Then, when you win a few, the dynamic changes.”
Naismith and his players hope to get in the winning habit with victory over Livingston at Tynecastle on Wednesday night, with three points also providing a welcome morale boost ahead of this weekend’s Viaplay Cup semi-final against Rangers.
The chance to reach a Hampden final doesn’t mean players will be rested in midweek though, with Naismith insisting he can’t afford to field a second-string team.
“We’re fully focused on this game, for sure,” he said. “You can’t get carried away and take your eye off the ball, that’s a silly thing to do.
“The personnel who will play will be the ones we believe will win us the game or give us the best opportunity to win the game.
“I’ve said consistently that we’ve got a good squad and good players that are competitive in each position.
“We’ll pick a team that we think can do the job.”
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