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RSSStewart: First impressions count
Michael Stewart last night admitted that Hearts players are enjoying working under new manager Csaba Laszlo - but he warned that anyone who thinks the incoming boss is a walk-over should beware.
Speaking before returning from Belfast, the midfielder, who revealed that he's rarely been so impressed by a new manager, (and he's played for a few!) spoke with passion about the challenges of the season ahead.
The Jambos were held to a 1-1 draw against Glentoran on Monday night in a match which saw Hearts adopt a 'pass and move' philosophy which is sure to develop in the weeks ahead.
That came after just two days of intensive work at Riccarton under the former Uganda national coach.
"We've been fortunate that on the evidence so far we've got a pretty good guy," said Michael. "He seems like a very good man, but most importantly he's got a very good knowledge of the game. He puts that point across very clearly.
"His command of English is perfect which is good for the boys. He has got plenty to say and he makes a clear point in terms of his message about what he is looking for.
"He has only been in the job since Saturday so you are not going to expect too much too quickly, but in the coming weeks I am sure there will be a lot of work on shape and philosophy based on what he has done in the last couple of days.
"The manager spoke to players about his mentality being a mix of German, and his homelands of Romania and Hungary. You cannot go wrong in terms of having a German mentality!
"He spoke about wanting a team ethic, but within that he wants individuals to be free to express themselves - but not to the detriment of the team."
The 300 of so supporters that travelled to Belfast - whilst conceding that the Jambos looked a little tired towards the end after several substitutions - would have been pleased to see the first makings of an attractive style of football.
"He very much wants the ball to be passed and he does not want silly balls that just lose possession," the former Hibs man explained. "It is a difficult balance as you don't want to play too many short passes around your penalty area and bring pressure on to you.
"The manager wants players to basically understand the game and get a feel for it. There are times you have to lengthen the game and there are other times you have to keep the ball and pass it."
Whilst Michael is impressed with the new man, he's not the only one, revealing that his team-mates have taken to Csaba, too.
"I think that football players are not given enough credit in terms of how quickly they can suss people out," he said. "The manager has come in and made a very quick impression on the boys.
"Obviously the players talk amongst each other and everybody has been thoroughly impressed with what the manager has had to say so far. That instantly gives a fresh impetus to the club as a whole, on the football pitch and away from the pitch in terms of the way things need to be done.
"There are not too many Germans who suffer fools gladly. He knows exactly what he is wanting and he is not afraid to put that point across but he is not overly brash or abrasive. He is able to communicate one on one - his man management is good."
