Derek McInnes reveals key area where Hearts title challengers trump Aberdeen hopefuls
Hearts’ Title Charge: What Sets Them Apart From Aberdeen’s Celtic Challengers
Derek McInnes has revealed the key difference between his current Hearts side and the Aberdeen team that pushed Celtic a decade ago. The Dons finished second behind Ronny Deila’s Celtic in the 2015/16 season, with the Hoops ultimately winning the title by 15 points. This time around, McInnes’ men are leading the way by three points with only four games left to play, following a significant Edinburgh derby win at Hibs.
A Decade of Difference: The Lessons Learned
McInnes feels that the current Tynecastle squad has the depth and strength that his Aberdeen side lacked after a cruel double blow in the January transfer window. “At Aberdeen, we had a strong 13 or 14 players and a decent squad to back that up,” he explained to BBC Scotland. The loss of key players like Danny Ward to Liverpool and Adam Rooney for three-and-a-half months in February took its toll on the team, and despite a strong belief, they eventually ran out of legs and squad depth.
Hearts’ Strength in Depth: The Key to Success
In contrast, McInnes believes that his current Hearts squad has the strength and confidence to push for the title. “Everyone contributes, and you see players like Spittal and Kerjota coming up with big moments, even if they’re not starters every week,” he said. The team’s ability to get results against the Old Firm, including beating them a couple of times, has given them a significant boost in confidence. The fans have also bought into the team’s vision, creating a feelgood factor that is driving the team forward.
The Importance of Momentum and Fan Support
McInnes emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum and keeping the fans on board. “If everything is going the right way, we can be quite hard to stop as a club,” he said. The team’s recent wins, including the Edinburgh derby, have created a sense of trust and confidence among the fans, who are now fully behind the team. With four games left to play, McInnes is hoping to keep the momentum going and push for the title.
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