Hearts boss happy to continue with 4-2-3-1

Published Date: 16 September 2009
By BARRY ANDERSON
HEARTS manager Csaba Laszlo declared his new formation a success following last night's single-goal victory over Kilmarnock, achieved courtesy of Andy Driver's first-half volley.
Deviating from his favoured 4-4-1-1 shape, Laszlo deployed his side in a 4-2-3-1 system designed to press their opponents back and create plenty of scoring opportunities. The second half of the match brought several clear openings which were spurned by the home side.

Nonetheless, Laszlo is satisfied that his new formation had the desired effect as Hearts recorded their first league victory of the season. He said he intends to continue with 4-2-3-1 at Celtic Park on Sunday and for the foreseeable future.

"I had a new idea to play this shape. I think this can work," he told the Evening News. "We were more offensive and we brought more trouble. Now we must score goals. At the moment I am forced to go in a different direction with the tactics. If you have the discipline and the players do what I want, we can be successful this season.

"I will definitely keep using this formation. I think the team learned very quick about my mentality and my thinking about football. You have the puzzle, you have the pieces and you must put them in the right position to be successful. The people in the stadium must see a clear picture. Last night the fans saw a picture of what we would like to do.

"We must have the best players on the field who can bring the best performance. At the moment I cannot think about the players who did not come to us, I must work with what I have."

Goalkeeper Janos Balogh did not feature last night due to illness and at the moment it is not clear whether he will be fit enough to face Celtic. "I don't know if he will be fit. He was ill for the last two days and did not train. We must wait to see his recovery," said Laszlo.

Taken from the Scotsman