I've hardly slept since taking new job, says Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo

Craig Swan

CSABA LASZLO is surviving on two hours kip a night as he draws up a blueprint to restore Hearts' standing in Scottish football.

But the Hungarian hopes victory for his team over Motherwell in his SPL opener will send him into a deep and dreamy sleep tonight.

Laszlo turned on the charm as he addressed Tynecastle affairs ahead of his first competitive encounter.

The former Uganda coach praised the SPL and SFA over their speedy handling of the work-permit application for new signing David Obua and spoke in glowing terms of the game in this country. There wasn't even a mention of "mafia" or Old Firm bias.

Laszlo has warmed to his Hearts task and the depth of his commitment, given some of the characters who have been involved at Tynecastle in the Vladimir Romanov era, is sure to be embraced by the Jambo legions.

A few adverse results could change his outlook but, for the time being, Hearts look to be in good hands.

Laszlo appears to have instantly grasped the fundamental problems within the club and has thrown himself into getting it right on and off the park.

His dedication is such that he has turned into an insomniac since accepting the post. Laszlo said: "There is a lot to change and we must have plans, foundations and basic things. I am happy to be here and I am happy to build a new structure.

"But Thursday was the first time since I have been here that I went to bed at 10pm and woke up at 5am.

"Before then, I was going to bed at 3am and waking up at 5am.

"I hope I keep sleeping well and I really hope to sleep very good after the Motherwell game."

There are no fanciful notions from Laszlo. He accepts Hearts have been on a downward spiral since their Scottish Cup win two years ago and there is no magic wand to cure deep-rooted ills.

But the challenge of bringing the club back into a position of power in the Scottish game is one he relishes, no matter how long it may take.

Given that Romanov has gone through managers like most folk go through their wages, Laszlo is determined to buck the trend and stay for the long-haul. He said: "I am confident about my future. A lot of times at this club, you can stay for only three months but I hope I can stay for three years.

"For me, this is the first time I feel I have come to a football-crazy country.

"I am not a coach who looks for a new job every two days and now that I am here, I hope I can spend a very, very long time in this country.

"Scotland has real football weather, very green pitches, we have nice balls, nice clubs and super journalists!"

Romanov, no doubt, would agree.

Laszlo insisted that to begin with he wants Hearts to have success and confidence and then in the middle of the season set targets.

He said: "Just now, we only look for as many three points as we can.

"In winter, we can then look to make signings to ensure we are in the top six because that is very important.

"I don't like to try to jump in case I go down and we must be careful to make small steps.

"I know this club as I have followed the Hearts road. This road has not always been up and down - it has just been steadily down from the Scottish Cup success.

"Reality is that we finished eighth last year and we must be better. At the moment, we don't spend s20 million on players so we have to make the steps up slowly.

"What you lose in four years, you cannot make back in just one jump.

"I know the fans don't expect us to be top of the league straight away as I have spoken to them. But maybe in two or three years...

"Everyone has to be realistic but, at the moment, I'm not worried about nice games. I want to have successful games.

"If we play wonderfully against Motherwell and lose 1-0 then we won't have the points.

"Every point gives you confidence and all I want just now is to see Tynecastle full and the supporters happy after the game."

A successful game on the opening day would be an ideal start and Laszlo plays down the significance of Mark McGhee's position in the opposing dugout.

Romanov was rebuffed by McGhee in the summer before turning to Laszlo but the Hearts boss said: "All I need to know is everything about his team and we have a lot of information.

"Motherwell have the confidence from last year but it is more important for us to win.

"I feel relaxed, although after the game, it might be different!

First games are always the same. After two or three matches, you get to know strengths and weaknesses.

"But right now we just have to concentrate on ourselves and our game. I don't like to talk too much about Motherwell, more about us."

While Laszlo may not have targets, hitman Saulius Mikoliunas does.

With Motherwell being in the UEFA Cup, it brings Hearts' recent failings into sharp focus and Miko said: "Our target is to be back in Europe and I believe we have the squad to do that.

"I have always said we have a quality squad and now we have a very good manager.

"Motherwell got there so we will see how close we are and this is a fresh start for everyone."

William HILL BETBOX

HEARTS are a tad shorter than even to give Csaba Laszlo a winning start. The Jambos are 10-11 for a home win with Motherwell rated 5-2. The draw is priced at 11-5.

Taken from the Daily Record