‘Special characters’ needed
four of their last six Premiership fixtures in total. It leaves them still in the top six of the table on goal difference but just five points above the relegation play-off spot currently occupied by Partick Thistle, their opponents for Sunday’s still to be confirmed re-opening of Tynecastle.
Hearts captain Berra believes the ground can deliver the setting and atmosphere necessary to inspire an improvement in form and results.
But the 32-year-old, right, also warns that his teammates must find the mentality required to cope with the expectations of a home support who will be less than forgiving if there are no immediate signs of a turnaround in fortunes.
“Some people don’t realise the Hearts fans can be very demanding at Tynecastle and if you are not going well, they’re not happy,” said Berra.
“So you have to be a special character to deal with that, you need to blank it out and keep on playing. As long as we are getting crosses in and shots off and we’re creating chances it will keep them on the edge of their seats and they’ll be happy.
“It’s been a harsh learning curve this season and getting back to Tynecastle, there will be a lot of pressure on us as well to do well. But I think everyone will be happy, it’s home comforts. It will be a bit more intimidating for other sides as well and when we’re on top and scoring goals it will be more atmospheric. We’re a work in progress but we need to learn quickly and start doing better as a team. “The criticism is just part of football. Hearts are regarded as one of Scottish football’s biggest clubs and there’s an expectation there. “At the moment we have not got the squad. I think the gaffer will in time mould the squad he wants and we’ll get better, hopefully in January. But that also means we all have to step up as well. There are no easy games, every team has made changes.
“It was disappointing to lose against Kilmarnock at Murrayfield in our last game because we feel those are the teams we should be beating. If that had been at Tynecastle with a different atmosphere it might have been different.
“Murrayfield is a great stadium, don’t get me wrong, it’s brilliant. But the atmosphere is not as good. That’s what Tynecastle gives you and the players thrive on that.
“We also need to step up and cut out the silly mistakes and create more chances as well, and when we do that we need to take them.”
Hearts have not been helped by a series of injuries to key players this season, notably in midfield, and Berra is happy to see that situation improving week by week.
“It will be massive for us to get the experienced guys back,” he added. “Don Cowie came back against Kilmarnock and made an impact, while Arnaud Djoum should be back after this international break. Arnaud is a big player for us. “So to get these players back, it’s a bit of experience as well, a bit of muscle, a bit of know-how and physical presence.
“We have had a few injuries in midfield and that has proba-