Axed Berra wanted to train with Hearts stiffs
Stendel: Skipper’s call to join reserves
HEARTS boss Daniel Stendel insists it was Christophe Berra’s decision to train with the stiffs.
Jambos skipper Berra was left heartbroken just days after his wedding when new gaffer Stendel told him he had no future in Gorgie and should find a new club.
Stendel then copped stick for sending the veteran defender to work with the reserves – but the German claims the 34-year-old stopper wanted to train with them.
The Tynecastle boss said: “When you say, ‘You don’t play any more and you’re no longer the skipper’ this is the situation. If your boss says you no longer work but you’re next to those who do, it’s no good for either.
“We haven’t said he needed to train with the reserves – he wanted to train with the reserves.”
Hearts tried to offload Berra as part of a deal to sign St Johnstone’s Matty Kennedy, only for the winger to agree a pre-contract deal with Aberdeen instead.
And Stendel said: “We want to find the best solution. We have 12 days [until the transfer window closes] but at the moment I have no news from him, whether he wants to stay or play for another club.”
Having stripped Berra of the captaincy, Stendel will reveal who the new Jambos skipper is today.
He said: “I know it but the player doesn’t. I will tell him today. Our big thing is I can say, ‘You are the player but I have the feeling you cannot play tomorrow.’ Are you injured next week? Are you a player who can really play?
“For leadership and mentality, I think we have some. Craig Halkett was captain in the last game, John Souttar is coming back, Michael Smith, Steven Naismith. These are all types who can lead our team.”
Coach Jon Daly and midfielder Glenn Whelan have already been booted out by Stendel, with the Irish duo firing parting shots in the media.
But the German is trying to be a respectful as possible towards Berra. Stendel said: “I spoke with Christophe. I can understand that he is not happy.
“Which player would be happy? Especially with his career, with his history at the club. That is the reason why we tried to find the best solution. With respect.
“My impressions from the first five games just bring me to the conclusion that we need some other players.”