Mind over matter for Paolo who says Hibs’ psychology won’t work

By
Brian Marjoribanks

PUBLISHED:

23:02 GMT, 17 May 2012

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UPDATED:

23:02 GMT, 17 May 2012

Hearts manager Paulo Sergio last night warned Hibs their mind games are a waste of time ahead of Saturday's all-Edinburgh Scottish Cup Final.

Easter Road midfielder Lewis Stevenson has claimed all the pressure is on pre-match favourites Hearts despite Hibs aiming to break a Cup jinx which stretches back to 1902.

Stevenson insisted that a Hearts win 'would change nothing' while a Hibs victory would alter the dynamic of the sporting rivalry in the city forever.

I'll look, but won't touch: Sergio unfazed by Hibs' comments

An unimpressed Sergio called on anyone at Hibs wishing to take him on in psychological warfare to call him directly instead, and poured contempt on claims that Hibs' lack of success in the tournament somehow puts his team under pressure.

'If somebody wants to play mind games with me, they should call me instead,' said the Portuguese, whose team are on a 10-game unbeaten run against their fierce rivals.

'Gary Locke (Hearts coach) has been telling me things are being said (by Hibs) every single day but you can tell them I will give them my number and they can just call.

'I'm too focused on this game and my job to be reading or listening to them.

'But if you believe that losing puts the pressure on the other team that wins more times, OK, just you keep losing. Keep losing and keep putting all that pressure on to us,' said Sergio, who will decide on Friday if injured star striker Craig Beattie is fit for Hampden.

Sergio also revealed he has not spoken to Vladimir Romanov for four months but confirmed the Hearts owner will be at Hampden.

Up for the cup: Sergio gathers his squad for some inspirational words

The manager is out of contract after the final and talks are planned with Romanov next week over the way ahead as the club prepare to downsize.

But Sergio denied Romanov's presence will put more pressure on him to secure a famous win at Hampden - and, once again, admitted he could be set for a final farewell.

'I have not spoken with Mr Romanov for four months now but he is coming to the game ' he said. 'Does that add pressure on me? No, I miss him.

'We have meetings planned but the final is not going to influence how much I want to stay at Hearts or not.

'There are important things we need to talk about and it is not just about money.

'It is about what we are going to do with the project at Hearts.

'If we can't come to an agreement, if it is not in the interests of everybody, then very good - I will have to find another job. That is life, that is normal.'