FAVE HEARTS
Sergio: Jambos are odds on to repeat semi win of 2012 over champions thanks to form and ‘home’ advantage
PAULO SERGIO believes Hearts are so strong they are now favourites to sink Celtic. The former Tynecastle gaffer is relishing the prospect of seeing his old club beating the champions at a sold-out Murrayfield and taking their place in the Betfred Cup Final. Sergio knows what it’s like to do it. Back in 2012 he led his Hearts side to victory over Celtic in the Scottish Cup semis on his way to lifting the silverware with success over Hibs in the Final. Six years on it’s the same last-four head to head. But as far as Sergio is concerned the circumstances are very different and point to a Hearts win. When he faced Neil Lennon’s side the Portuguese went into battle with a squad not doing anywhere near as well as Hearts are at the moment. With off-field problems at the Edinburgh club under the previous regime of the controversial Vladimir Romanov, Sergio had to juggle a series of problems, issues and difficult situations within his dressing room while hunting results.
Now though there is harmony, unity and happiness all around the place. And coupled with the sparkling on-field start to the campaign he is convinced Hearts are in pole position to hand Brendan Rodgers his first domestic cup defeat as Celtic boss.
Sergio said: “This is a different game from the one I had for a simple reason. That is I don’t think anybody can call Celtic the favourite.
“It’s not Tynecastle but it’s close enough. It’s Edinburgh and a situation has been created which could actually make it that Hearts are the favourites for this semi-final.
“They have already beaten Celtic
“Celtic don’t look as strong to me as they have been and I feel Hearts are a very strong side at the moment. They’re full of confidence and playing at Murrayfield is almost like having a home game.
this season so that adds to it and there is their confidence.
“Celtic are struggling in Europe, they are not always getting positive results in the Premiership, while at the same time Hearts are flying at the top of the table. I would make Hearts the favourites.”
Sergio’s success over Celtic was dramatic. Craig Beattie’s last-gasp penalty sparked wild scenes of jubilation at Hampden and he says that afternoon provides more evidence his former club have nothing to fear on Sunday.
He said: “Everything worked together. At that time we were struggling with all the problems everybody knows about now.
“We were the biggest team in Scotland at that time in terms of togetherness because of what was going on.
“There were so many hard moments to cope with during the season, we had to stay together.
“We were struggling without money, we were struggling without players, we had so many things to deal with and that kept the group together.
“It created a bond and a power inside all of us which was very big.
“Obviously that is not enough. We had to create a strategy to face Celtic because they were an opponent who were doing very well at the time.
“At that moment Celtic were so strong but we were competent. We did what we needed to do in the game and we also had that bit of luck which you also need to win a big semi-final.
“Every time we went out on to the park we had to believe we could win.
“Either that or you just stay in the house and don’t bother going to the ground.
“It doesn’t matter about the opponent. You have be realistic, look at the them and find a way to get the result.
“You can be good and not get results but that doesn’t do you well many times.
“You must find the way to win and there is always a percentage that gives you a chance. We worked together and organised to achieve that and we did.
“We worked together, we believed and fought for everything to get the result.”
Sergio now goes from manager to supporter. Although working in Iran as gaffer of Pro League side Sanat Naft, he’ll be logging on to the internet to follow Levein’s side as they go for glory.
He’s part of the Gorgie brigade and said: “It doesn’t surprise me that almost 30,000 people are going from Hearts to the game because they are a fantastic club with fantastic fans.
“They are living a very positive moment with a brand new stand and everyone committed with the team.
“Craig Levein has done a great job with the players he has signed for this season.
“Hearts are flying, the confidence has to be on top and there is a freshness which brings supporters to motivate the side.
“With a good team, it makes the fans happy.
“I’m working in Iran with a brand new team but I’m always in contact with the people in Edinburgh and I will always follow Hearts.
“I was once the manager but I am a fan for all time now.
“No matter where I am in the world I’ll be looking and praying for good things for Hearts. They are like part of my family.
“I will try to watch the game. All the time I look to find a stream to watch the Hearts games. And every time I go back to Edinburgh for a visit it feels like home.
“It’s an honour for me to be part of the club’s history.”
It created a bond and a power inside all of us which was very big PAULO SERGIO ON HEARTS’ OFF-FIELD STRIFE IN 2012