Robbie Neilson says Hearts know the calibre of opponent they are coming up against in Europe after a tough 3-0 loss to Fiorentina at Tynecastle.
The Florence club punished the Jambos with a professional performance, their life made easier by Lewis Neilson being shown a red card for a foul on Luka Jovic, who eventually went on to net his team's third goal. Boss Neilson was disappointed with the manner in which Hearts conceded their goals in Europa Conference League Group A, although they still sit third and within one win of Fiorentina, who they face away from home next week.
That lack of minutes at this level throughout the Hearts squad showed in players like his young defender, who has impressed since joining from Dundee United in the summer. The Gorgie manager said: "A little bit of inexperience from Lewis. He's been fantastic for us in recent weeks. He’s playing against a 55m player.
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"We spoke about being high and aggressive but it's that body positioning. Lewis will live and learn from it but it’s a great experience for the kid.
"They realise the level they need to try and get to. You look at some of the players, they are strong and athletic. We’ve a game against them next week.
"We need to have a better performance. The goals were preventable. We gave them two sloppy goals where we didn’t pick up runners and the third we overcommit. A little bit of inexperience."
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