What were your thoughts on the match?

It’s very pleasing when you win three points, of course. We started well with a lot of threat going forward, which was positive. But we didn’t create any really big moments. You have to be patient and second half we did much better in the final third. We had to make the runs and have numbers in the box to create chances. The example with Malik and the cross from the left was perfect. We had all positions well taken in the 18-yard box. We tried to score a second goal but it’s really pleasing we kept the zero and won the game. The first half wasn’t easy because we always had the threat of their two strikers in transition moments. We defended that really well. Overall, I’m pleased, we kept the energy and the players who came on allowed us to push even more.

Was it the plan to stop crossing from deep and try to have more penetration in the second half? 

Of course. If you are a team who tries to win the ball a little bit deeper and go in transition moments, you could see Hearts were doing that today. It's very difficult. We had ball possession, but when you have that against a deep block and go from left to right and the speed is not right then it's easy for them to defend. We did much better to play more direct in making the runs and passing forward and try to create your own space. We did that much better in the second half and created big chances.

You will have been under big pressure tonight, how important was it to get the three points?

Of course it’s big points, especially after the game we lost at the weekend. It’s very pleasing. First of all, for the team and the club to get the three points. I think that’s all that matters at the moment. 

Ryan Kent made the goal, is that a confidence builder for him?

It should give Ryan confidence. I talk a lot with him, he has so much quality, and in the second half he was much more of a threat. We all know what he’s capable of. I said to him the quicker you go to goal the better for the team. It’s pleasing because he kept working hard and gave the energy to try and create chances. 

Is this a first step on the road to recovery?

It's very short days so our recovery starts now. The players need to eat well, rest well and make sure they are in optimal position on Saturday to play against St Mirren and end this period with a win then take a break.

What did Malik Tillman offer?
He is a big talent. That’s why we have him here. With young players the only thing their talent is always up and down that’s normal because of his age. I think he’s doing well. He heard the news that he is not in the World Cup squad and for a young player it is a hard moment to take. That is why I spoke to the team. There are disappointments you have in life and in your career as a player. You have to turn that into a positive to work even harder and that’s what they did. He was not the only one. James Sands was not called up, Colak was not called up, Matondo was not called up so that is a difficult moment for them. Not for Borna because he did get called up and I am really happy for him. Mentally you have to be very strong and I thought Malik’s performance was very, very good and of course he was the matchwinner.

Was James Sands okay after being withdrawn at half-time?

Sands had a little knock so we had to take him off. So, hopefully he will be fine for Saturday.

What did the win mean to you?

I am a coach who always speaks about the club and the team and less about from the personal side. I am really happy for the win first of all for my club and for my team and the players and everyone involved in the club. I always put myself behind the queue, that’s my character. But of course, I am happy for myself that we won but only as the last person.”

How pleased were you with Scott Wright?

Very positive. Rabbi had a difficult game. His contribution could have been better and that's why I changed him for Scott. He was very positive when he first came in you see his first touch and created a chance. That helped give him confidence but the threat he offered on the right was very positive. That's also what you want, you start with a first eleven but when you have players come on and give what they are capable of it's also very positive.

How happy are you with the subs tonight?

Very, because I think the game really needed it. We took Colak off after the goal. Arfield came in so we could put John Lundstram back to no.6. It was very positive because when you have a period of fixture congestion you have to change things up but the players have to give energy and intensity. I think they all did.

Glen Kamara did well when he came on too, does that give you a thought for the weekend?

Of course, you want to have as many players available as you can and have the ability to change. Glen had a knock on his ankle and is now fit again. Ryan Jack is back in training and will hopefully return. We will get more players back after the break and this is beneficial to the team because you can use more players. It's very important when you are playing so many games. I think Kamara was a really good sub and Morelos could have been on the scoresheet as well so it's very positive.

Do you know how many players who will definitely be back after the break?

Definitely? No. I hope all of them are back.

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