Braga coach: leaving Tynecastle behind will hurt Hearts

PAUL KIDDIE

BRAGA coach Rui Aguas today admitted his players are relieved they won’t be subjected to a hostile Tynecastle atmosphere in tomorrow’s UEFA Cup clash, writes PAUL KIDDIE.

The former Portuguese internationalist was in the Capital on Sunday to spy on the Jambos as Craig Levein’s side took a deserved point from the 0-0 draw with Rangers.

More than 14,000 fans were inside Tynecastle and Aguas left suitably impressed by the noise level - and thankful his players will not be subjected to a similar reception at Murrayfield.

There will be more empty seats than fans when the action kicks off and the Braga assistant coach, who jetted into Edinburgh Airport with the squad last night, insists that will work in the visitors’ favour. "I know Murrayfield won’t be the same as Tynecastle," he said. "The atmosphere was super and much better than we are used to. The

fans in Scotland are very passionate and more tolerant than in Portugal.

"I think it is good news that the game is not being played at Tynecastle. The fact the crowd will not be so close to the players will be better for us and that will be an advantage I think.

"I have never been to Murrayfield but I know it is a large rugby stadium and may suit us better. Hopefully the pitch will be okay."

Having experienced a match at Tynecastle for himself, Aguas admitted to being puzzled why tomorrow’s game couldn’t be staged in Gorgie.

He said: "I was at Tynecastle on Sunday and don’t understand why we can’t play the match there. It looked good enough for me."

Aguas handed over his dossier on the Jambos to boss Jesualdo Ferreira on his return to Portugal, with the squad having watched a video of the game prior to their departure.

"I found the game too physical at times and it was very difficult for the teams to play," said Aguas.

"I thought Hearts deserved a draw and tomorrow’s match will be very hard for us.

"I thought Mark de Vries was Hearts’ best player and we will have to watch him. He is physical, powerful has good technique but perhaps is not in the best of shape. Graham Weir was also very quick. He was dangerous but not so technical."

Taken from the Scotsman