Paulo Sergio detects issue with Hearts fans after Tynecastle visit and makes Portuguese TV revelation

The 58-year-old Portuguese was the Jambos’ boss when they last won silverware by defeating city rivals Hibernian 5-1 in the 2012 Scottish Cup final.

Sergio has remained an avid follower of the club and was back in Edinburgh for Saturday’s 1-0 home win over Dundee. However, the former Sporting Lisbon manager detected tension in the stands that he feels needs tempered if Derek McInnes and his players are to have the best chance of a first top-flight title since 1960.

“At the moment I think there is a lot of stress because of the great opportunity they have in their hands,” Sergio said. “I would like the fans to control their stress and do their part. Sing more, support more, believe even more because with this great chance, everybody in the stand is very nervous, so sometimes they forget the role that they have to do.

“I think they need to keep positive and singing for the team, that will help the boys a lot. Also the boys need to focus on what they have to do. Don’t be thinking about the position because sometimes this brings stress.

“Sometimes you go on the pitch thinking, ‘what happens if we don’t win and the other teams win?’. And this doesn’t allow you to have a clear mind and perform. Just be focused on what you can control, which is your performance, and the points will come naturally.”

Sergio sees no obvious reason why Hearts – three points clear of Rangers and five ahead of Celtic – cannot end 40 consecutive seasons of Old Firm dominance.

“I don’t see other ones doing better,” he said. “The team has been in first place all season. In my opinion, they deserve to stay there until the end.

“They have been more consistent than Rangers or Celtic. Now there is seven games to go, they have the advantage, they have more points.

“For sure, the mistakes that the other ones are doing during the season also helps us (Hearts) to be in the first position.

“It’s a season where Celtic and Rangers are not performing at the level we are used to seeing. But credit to Hearts, they have almost 70 points. This speaks about what Derek and all the people involved are doing.

“I hope they can keep this run and make some history for the club.”

Sergio is enjoying countryman Claudio Braga’s contribution to the Jambos’ unlikely title charge.

“I’m very happy with that,” he said of the 15-goal Portuguese forward, who was unearthed from Norwegian side Aalesunds last summer. “I didn’t know the boy before but now he’s at Hearts, I’m aware of the capacity of Claudio and I wish him the best.

“Normally our TV in Portugal shows Celtic or Rangers, but this season, they are showing the games of Hearts too. Then people start knowing Braga here in Portugal and start speaking about him. I hope he can keep doing it until the end of the season. He will be remembered forever if we keep this position.”