Hearts’ Goalkeeper Sees Confidence Boost After Draw with Benfica
Goalkeeper Beau Reus reflects on Hearts’ morale after their 1-1 draw with Benfica, despite their elimination from the Europa League. The Edinburgh club faced a significant challenge in the match at Tynecastle, having suffered a heavy 6-1 defeat against the Portuguese giants in the first leg of the third qualifying round in Lisbon the previous week.
Although they were unable to progress on aggregate score, Wouter Vrancken’s team showcased a notable improvement, making the Gorgie draw a commendable performance against Marco Silva’s squad. Reus, who joined the club this summer, expressed hope that this display can enhance their confidence going into their League Cup last 16 tie against Inverness on Sunday.
“Of course all competitions are important for us and we want to win them all,” the Dutch goalkeeper stated. He emphasized the need for his team to maintain the same determination they exhibited against Benfica. “On Sunday, we just have to be in the same mindset as against Benfica and fight for every ball, don’t give any percentage less because then you know it will be a hard game.”
Reus remains optimistic about the upcoming match, saying, “If we play like we did on Thursday, I have all the confidence that we bring it to a good outcome Sunday.”
Following a tough start to their new season with a loss to Aberdeen, Vrancken’s squad bounced back impressively, defeating Dundee United 4-0 last weekend. Reus noted the positive impact of that victory. “I think the Dundee United game gave us a boost in confidence,” he remarked. “They had zero shots on target, and then we just played really well against Benfica.”
The goalkeeper expressed pride in his team’s efforts, stating, “It was a hard game and I’m just really proud of the guys, how we defended together and how we attacked together.” He acknowledged that Benfica made some lineup changes but felt his team performed consistently. “You could see we were fighting hard and playing for every ball. Obviously last week we conceded six so the goal was to concede less and I’m happy that we only took one.”
Goalkeeper Beau Reus says Hearts can take confidence from Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Benfica despite dropping out of the Europa League.
The Edinburgh club had a mountain to climb in the match at Tynecastle having been beaten 6-1 by the Portuguese giant in the first leg of the third qualifying round in Lisbon last week.
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And although they lost out on aggregate, Wouter Vrancken’s side put on a much improved performance to draw 1-1 with Marco Silva’s men in Gorgie.
And Reus, who joined the club this summer, hopes that performance can give the side a confidence boost heading in to Sunday’s League Cup last 16 tie against Inverness.
“Of course all competitions are important for us and we want to win them all,” the Dutchman said.
“On Sunday, we just have to be in the same mindset as against Benfica and fight for every ball, don’t give any percentage less because then you know it will be a hard game.
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“If we play like we did on Thursday, I have all the confidence that we bring it to a good outcome Sunday.”
After losing to Aberdeen in their opening game of the new season, Vrancken’s side beat Dundee United 4-0 last weekend with an impressive performance.
“I think the Dundee United game gave us a boost in confidence,” Reus added.
“They had zero shots on target, and then we just played really well against Benfica.
“It was a hard game and I’m just really proud of the guys, how we defended together and how we attacked together.
“I think we played really well as a team. Benfica made some changes but I don’t think the team was anything less than last week.
“You could see we were fighting hard and playing for every ball. Obviously last week we conceded six so the goal was to concede less and I’m happy that we only took one.”
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