Not a knee-jerk reaction — I'm not convinced Rohl is the man to take us on from here. We led in the first half and then let the game drift, slowing the tempo and passing back into defence instead of turning the screw. Hearts were there for a mauling, yet we never went for the kill.
Tempo and tactics
To be fair, it's easy to bang on after one result, but the pattern since he arrived has been noticeable: a cautious tempo, too much recycling across the back line and not enough urgency through the middle. When the team starts to pass sideways and backwards you invite pressure. That's not just aesthetics — slowing the pace kills momentum and lets the opposition re-organise. A manager sets the rhythm, and right now the rhythm feels flat.
Defensive frailties exposed
Our defence has looked shaky when properly tested. Marking decisions came late, runners weren't tracked quickly enough, and when Shankland reached the by-line the defence seemed to watch rather than react. You can coach positioning and composure, but you also need certainty and leadership at the back. Little things — a quicker line, clearer instructions from the bench, tighter communication between full-back and centre-half — make a difference.
Why it matters and what feels missing
Managers have the luxury of speaking to the team during the match — tactical tweaks, changes of tempo, substitutions to change the shape. I didn't see enough of that decisive in-game management. We may have the better players on paper, but being better on paper doesn't win games on the pitch. Look at managers who make their teams fight and press; it's about organisation, intensity and belief. McInnes has shown how to build that sort of edge elsewhere, and you can see why supporters compare.
I'm willing to give time, but the evidence so far hasn't convinced me Rohl is the one. If the team keeps playing with subdued tempo and a lack of urgency, we'll keep leaving ourselves open. Best of luck to Hearts — they've deserved their season — but I want to see a clearer plan from us, and soon.
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