No plans to quit but irked Laszlo plays with fire

Barry Anderson
RESIGNING from his job as Hearts manager is not on Csaba Laszlo's agenda, that much should not be in doubt.
Nonetheless the Hungarian, perhaps foolishly, has opted to deflect attention and pressure on to Vladimir Romanov following Thursday's demoralising Europa League play-off defeat to Dinamo Zagreb.

Laszlo chose yesterday's pre-match press conferencefor tomorrow's league encounter with Rangers to reveal that he has been offered a new contract by majority shareholder Romanov but will not sign unless the club hierarchy support his "vision".

Following his comments in yesterday's Evening News, when he pleaded with those in power to sanction his plans to further improve the squad with new blood, he would appear to be treading on dangerous ground.

Romanov is not noted for his patience or understanding and is unlikely to tolerate a manager, even one he respects as much as Laszlo, attempting to work his own agenda in public.

The political gamesmanship is akin to a round of Russian roulette with a man who specialises in such duels and the comments could be detrimental to Laszlo's future.

His contract runs until summer 2011 but he is understandably frustrated that Romanov and his associates have refused to commission the signing of a striker worthy of the name this summer.

David Witteveen has arrived but thus far failed to impress. He did not participate in the 4-0 capitulation in Croatia on Thursday evening, which leaves Hearts effectively out of the Europa League and Laszlo craving a new forward before the 31 August transfer deadline.

He has furnished Romanov with countless signing targets – amongst them Ilco Naumoski, Adam Nemec and the Hungarian forward Peter Bajzat – but had to improvise with Christian Nade as the focal point of his attack in Zagreb.

Neither Romanov nor director Sergejus Fedotovas attended the Maksimir Stadium to witness Hearts' deficiencies in person, and Laszlo's exasperation spilled over at Riccarton yesterday afternoon.

"I know we need maybe a player with experience," he said. "We didn't lose players last season who played at Real Madrid's level but we lost characters with very good leadership. At the moment that is our biggest problem.

"You must have respect for people. This is the point for me, to be respectful. It is indifferent which name or position you have but I never forget if someone helped me. This is realistic and I hope, and I know, that Mr Romanov has offered me a new contract. At the moment I have not signed but we discuss this. You don't know, after the Rangers or Zagreb game he might say thank you very much..."

In response to a question on whether he wanted to remain at Tynecastle for the long term, Laszlo replied: "Hearts is a great club and if I get the help to realise my vision, yes. After a good season the club showed me the appreciation and I think this speaks for the owner and his vision. I already have two years (left] and for this I respect the owner and this direction.

"For me and every manager it is difficult to realise your vision if you lose games. This is the point for me.

"About the personnel at the moment I don't like to talk. I respect the rules of the club and on the other side I am very honest.

"If the club wish to work with me, from both sides it is always very important to have trust. My future is indifferent. I would like to stay in Edinburgh for the next two years. This is what I think will be happening. I got a chance from Mr Romanov to come here, and I think that for me personally it was a big chance to come to Scottish football. I know also that I used the chance. I know also that if one time it is the time to go, I can go with my reputation in Scottish football and I hope I can get another job here. The people know me but the chance I get is from Mr Romanov and this club."

Talk of Laszlo working elsewhere in Scotland as a result of achievements in Gorgie will chill Romanov. Jose Goncalves, Hearts' Portuguese defender, implored the Russian entrepreneur to acquiesce with the manager's wishes before the end of the month.

"I can understand his frustration. He wants to build this team. If we achieve third place and go to Europe you have to give him what he wants," said Goncalves.

"Our coach is not asking a lot. He is just asking for one striker. We can give him the striker he wants. A manager cannot have every player he wants, but everyone knows we need one.

"It is very important for us to have the manager here. With him we can achieve a lot of stuff. He is doing his best to bring players here and build a better team, but he can't do it on his own. The people here have to help him.

"I don't imagine will lose the manager. He has done a lot for the club. If he goes now it's very disappointing. He's got a lot of experience and from that every player can take good stuff."

Laszlo has several team selection issues to contend with for tomorrow's match and must decide who should assume the captaincy with Michael Stewart and Marius Zaliukas both suspended.

Andy Driver, Calum Elliot and Larry Kingston remain injured although Driver will return to training next week and club medical staff are hopeful that Elliot and Kingston will not be far behind.

Ismael Bouzid, the Algerian defender, remains slightly doubtful with a shoulder complaint.

In light of his comments on the striking situation most interest will surround Laszlo's attacking selections, and whether he will persist with Nade or unleash Gary Glen on the league champions.

Taken from the Scotsman