EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Paulo: Cathro can become another hero for Jambos
PAULO SERGIO has legendary status at Hearts after leading the club to the 2012 Scottish Cup when they thrashed Hibs 5-1 at Hampden.
And the Portuguese hopes to see Ian Cathro take a massive leap towards becoming a Jambos hero by defeating their arch rivals in the Cup next Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals.
Sergio knows confidence will be high and there will be belief after they battered Rangers 4-1 last midweek, but he also offered words of caution as he feels it will still take time for all of the new signings to bed-in together.
Cathro has signed nine new players and Sergio is adamant that is a huge risk. But he hopes it pays off.
Sergio told The Sunday Post: “I have a big, big feeling for Hearts and the club’s supporters. I follow their results every week and watch the highlights of their games on the computer every weekend. I read the blogs and the different opinions. There are some fascinating times just now.
“Big changes have been made in the past two months. I wish Robbie Neilson well in his new job at MK Dons. I also hope that Ian Cathro builds on the foundations put down by Robbie and goes on to bring success to Hearts.
“Beating Rangers 4-1 was a fantastic result and an outstanding performance. Ian needed that.
“I’m aware questions have been raised about his age and lack of experience as a manager on the front line. For me, age is not important. Yes, he is a young coach, but that should not be a barrier.
“Whether you have an older coach or a younger one, you need time to put your plans in place and allow your players to settle and work to the plan. He has good credentials and must be given time. That is the key to it all.
“Now, what I think is quite dangerous is the amount of changes made to the squad in the past five or six weeks. Many new players have arrived and that concerns me. I don’t think this is the ideal time of the season to make so many changes to the squad and also expect to win games and compete at the top end of the table.
“I would have preferred to see two or three this month. I think that would have been safer. But we will see. I hope it all works out.
“I wish Ian, the players, the backroom staff and the supporters every success.
“I’d love to see Hearts win the Scottish Cup this season. I know how it feels . . . it’s amazing. This club deserves success on a regular basis.” Sergio loved beating Hibs five years ago but he knows this Scottish Cup tie will be tough. He has total respect for Easter Road gaffer Neil Lennon and the job he doing with the Championship leaders.
Sergio said: “This game is dangerous. Neil Lennon is an experienced coach and he has been working with his squad for six or seven months. He has a solid group. They know what he wants and they know the level of expectation.
“With the game being at Tynecastle that should be preferable to Hearts. But this is a Cup tie and nothing must be taken for granted. I will be watching the game and hope to see Hearts win. Hibs won the Cup last season and nobody with a love for Hearts wants to see that happening again this season.”
Sergio is delighted to see the likes of Jamie Walker and Sam Nicholson doing well and he also has high hopes for Esmael Goncalves and Alexandros Tziolis.
He said: “I know some of the players he has brought in and I think they will add quality. Goncalves is a good player and I know him from Portugal. I know Tziolis from his time at Apoel in Cyprus. Also, it is good to see Walker and Ncholson continuing to progress.”
Sergio, 48, is currently back home in Portugal. In December he quit his job as boss of Dibba Al-Fujairah and is keen to get back in in a managerial capacity.
He said: “I will listen to any offers. My track record is good. I improve players and bring success to clubs.
“But, of course, there are many managers and coaches looking for work. It is a competitive environment.
“However, I will keep looking and wait for the next opportunity. I would be keen on working in the UK again. It is an exciting place to be and suits my capabilities and mentality.”