Simo Valakari has been speaking to the media before St Johnstone’s fixture against Hearts in the Premiership this weekend.
Here are the key lines from his press conference:
Saints “have recovered very well mentally and physically” from their 3-1 midweek defeat against St Mirren.
Valakari wants his side to “make those suffering moments” short as he talks about the pressure they were under on Wednesday night.
He is keen to see more “bravery” from his team but likes the the “work ethic” of the players and staff.
Hearts’ visit will be Valakari’s first home match in charge and he is looking forward to “playing the beautiful game in front of our own fans”.
On the “great” Saints support, he says: “It’s our job as a team to give them joy, give them emotions, give them enjoyment to watch their own team to play at their home stadium.”
Despite Hearts being bottom of the table, Valakari says they’re a “very good footballing team”, who have “quality” and will be looking to “kickstart their season”.
Andre Raymond is “touch and go”, but everyone else “is fit”.
