We paid price of Old Firm battles, says Livi gaffer
Livingston manager Davie Martindale insists his team’s passive display in the 3-0 loss at Hearts can be put down to the fact they put so much into games against Celtic and Rangers in the last seven days.
The Lions put the Bhoys to the sword last Sunday with a memorable victory before bowing out of the Premier Sports Cup in a defeat at Ibrox on Wednesday.
And Martindale admitted his team simply did not have the energy to get to grips with a dynamic display from the Gorgie outfit after only managing 28% possession.
Martindale said: “It was a tough one. I’m not going to sit here and tell lies.
“I think you could see that the last two games have caught up on us. I’m not using that as an excuse but I think it played a big part in how we approached the game.
“We were very passive and quite lethargic and we gave away possession too easily.
“I feared it but I didn’t think it would be in the manner it did. That’s why I tried to bring some fresh legs into the team. I changed the shape slightly today and in hindsight I think I got that wrong.
“I don’t think it comes down to attitude, I think we were lethargic and we were quite passive out of possession, which isn’t a Livingston performance.
“We didn’t get a chance to put pressure on the ball in the mid-third, which gave Hearts too much time on the ball and they kept moving us. You’re running about and chasing shadows.”
Martindale’s side have also already faced Rangers, Aberdeen and Hibs in the league during a difficult start to the campaign and insists there is a clear divide between the top teams and the rest.
He added: “I think Aberdeen will still be in and around but I think you can see the top four.
“I think you will be looking at Rangers, Celtic and Hearts, and Hibs will be a toss of a coin. That’s your top four in my opinion.
“Fifth and sixth I think Aberdeen will be there and it will be a fight between St Johnstone, Dundee United and maybe even ourselves. But I think it will be a flip of a coin.
“But I think the top four are breaking away.
“I think six or seven teams are playing for 10 upwards. It is a tough league this year, and I think the bigger teams have got stronger.
“I have found it really difficult this time. Hearts and Hibs have kicked on, in my opinion, and Rangers and Celtic away from home have always been difficult.
“But I think there is a clear divide in the league now. You can see how the league is going.”