Head coach Neil Critchley is seeking improvement in both boxes from his players ahead of the Jambos' trip to Perth on Saturday.
The new boss suffered defeat for the first time during the week as Kilmarnock came from behind to take all three points at Tynecastle.
The men in maroon dominated possession on the night, but Critchley admits Hearts didn’t test the goalkeeper enough, something they’ll be looking to rectify on Saturday against St Johnstone.
Speaking to the media at the pre-match press conference, Critchley said:
“In both penalty boxes,” he replied, when asked where the Jambos need to improve. "We had nearly 70% of the ball the other night, which is a lot. A lot of domination, but with that, you’ve got to turn it into dangerous, meaningful possession.
“Even though we created some good opportunities in and around the goal. Often, we didn’t work the goalkeeper, so we have to do better in that penalty area and if you look at the goals we conceded in the last two games. One is a wide free kick, one is a long throw-in and the other is a long kick down the middle of the pitch, so the opposition haven’t had to work hard for their goals.
“If you look at our goal [against Kilmarnock], how well it was worked, the move we put together. The opposition haven’t produced anything like that. But that doesn’t mean you win games of football, so we have to do better in both boxes.”
The Perth Saints are under new management in the shape of Simo Valakari and are looking to bounce back themselves from a midweek defeat in Paisley.
“The new manager has had an effect on the team. Until midweek, they’d had a couple of good results. The formation that they’re playing, he is trying to implement a certain style and as I know, that can take time.
“There’s always a change in thinking and you’re asking players to do different things and until the game against St Mirren, it had been going well for them. They’ll be looking to bounce back at home, but we’re looking to bounce back from our home defeat as well.”
Finally, Critchley confirmed that Beni Baningime could make his return to action having taken part in training following a spell on the sidelines through illness.
“Nobody was injured in the Kilmarnock match. So, we’re as we were in terms of injuries. Beni has done a couple of days of training, so we’re hopeful that he’s in a better position to be available for this game.”
You can watch Neil’s press conference in full on Hearts TV.
