Paulo Sergio: I want to succeed at Hearts so I can win a move back to Portugal

Oct 27 2011 By Alan Marshall

HEARTS boss Paulo Sergio has broken his club's media ban - to reveal he wants to manage in Portugal again.

The Jambos have decided to suspend "all general media activity" until November 3 when the SFA will hold a disciplinary hearing into Sergio's comments about ref Iain Brines.

The club insist they will only speak through their official website and no comments were made to the media after of Sunday's 2-0 defeat by Rangers.

Embarrassingly for Hearts, though, the man who has now broken ranks and issued the first media comment since the ban is gaffer Sergio himself.

In an interview with Portuguese radio station Renaissance Radio, Sergio was invited to discuss his former employers Sporting Lisbon.

But he was also happy to talk about Hearts' progress and his future plans.

Sergio said: "We could and should have more points for what we have done so far this season. Each game is more difficult because the teams are used to us now and not surprised anymore.

"But we are improving and the players' mindset is getting stronger too.

"Who knows what the future will bring - it belongs to God. There are very good clubs in Portugal and I am interested in coaching there.

"I know that in financial terms the market is more attractive. But I must make it work here to return to Portuguese football. I want to succeed here."

Sergio spent just nine months in charge of Sporting before being axed last February but insists he has no regrets about his time at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.

He added: "There is no point crying over spilt milk. Many of the players at Sporting who are doing so well now were recommended by me last season.

"We knew what we wanted but at that time it was not possible to get them."

The Jambos were on a decent run before losing at home to Gers last weekend.

They will look to bounce back when Kilmarnock come calling on Saturday and coach Gary Locke has told the players to develop a ruthless streak after watching them draw a blank against the champs.

If The Gorgie outfit caused Ally McCoist's men all sorts of problems but failed to find the net due to a combination of inspired goalkeeping by Allan McGregor and some poor finishing.

Former club captain Locke admits the lack of a killer touch was one of the few complaints in an encouraging display.

And he hopes the strikers make amends this weekend against Killie.

Locke told Hearts TV: "It's important we put chances away and we have players who are capable of scoring.

"I'm sure if we create one or two opportunities we'll take them.

"I don't think we can be too disappointed about how we played against Rangers because we created a lot of chances.

"It's hard against a side like Rangers because they take their own opportunities nine times out of 10. But there are a lot of positives to take out of the performance.

"Over the last two or three weeks there has been a big improvement and we'll be delighted if we beat Killie."

But Locke is taking nothing for granted after the Rugby Park side crushed the Jambos 3-0 at Tynecastle last term.

And he knows Kenny Shiels' men will be on a high following their League Cup quarter-final win over East Fife.

Locke said: "Killie gave us a going over last year so I've told the new management team Kilmarnock are dangerous to play against.

"If you give them space and time they have players who can hurt you so we need to be on our toes.

"Our home form has been good and that's one of the positives of the season so far.

"Kilmarnock are difficult to play against but I'm hopeful we can win."

Taken from the Daily Record