ROBBIE Neilson tonight admitted the Conference League game against Fiorentina at Tynecastle had been a steep learning curve for Hearts – then insisted his side was still in a good position in their section after the 3-0 defeat.
First-half goals from Rolando Mandragora and Christian Kouame gave Vincenzo Italiano’s side a comfortable half-time lead and Luka Jovic completed a one-sided 3-0 triumph in the second.
Being reduced to 10 men in the 48th minute when Lewis Neilson was sent off for a last man foul on Jovic killed off the home team’s chances of staging a comeback.
However, the cinch Premiership side were dominated by their Serie A rivals from kick-off to the final whistle and could have no complaints about the final result.
Hearts are now in third place in Group A with three games remaining – but they have to play leaders Istanbul Basaksehir and Fiorentina away in the coming weeks and have their work cut out reaching the knockout rounds.
Neilson said: “I am disappointed obviously with the result. It was a huge learning curve for us playing against a very good Fiorentina team. But the disappointing thing for me was that the goals we conceded were poor.
“Playing against a level of opposition like Fiorentina for the first time was tough. We contained them at times, but we also switched off at times and when you do that against these teams you get punished for it. I also thought we were reactive at times rather than being proactive.
“But I think we are still sitting in a good position. We have got three points. Next week’s game (against Fiorentina in Italy) will be pivotal for us. If we take something from that game we will keep things alive. We must learn to play at this level.”
Asked about the red card, Neilson said: “I think Lewis has been fantastic for us in the time he has been involved in the team. We had a 19-year-old kid playing against a £55m striker from Real Madrid. He will be disappointed, but it is important that we learn from this.”
Fiorentina manager Italiano said: “We knew how important this game was for us. I am very happy that we played the plan we wanted to, spent most of the time in their half and got the win. I am very proud of the boys.
“Going into the match on the back foot, we knew what we had to do. The boys maintained a good rhythm and executed our tactics. We have had a bad run away, but I hope this will be the case in our matches going forward.”
