Liverpool might bring in Ronald Araújo alongside Marc Guéhi to reinforce the backline (Credits: Imago Images)
Hearts manager Wouter Vrancken is eagerly anticipating his first experience of Tynecastle as the club hosts La Liga side Rayo Vallecano on Friday night.
The glamour friendly comes just four days before Hearts face Sturm Graz in a crunch Champions League qualifying tie in Austria.
Rayo Vallecano, who finished eighth in La Liga last season, arrive in Edinburgh having reached their first European final in the Europa Conference League.
The Spanish side lost that final to Crystal Palace in Leipzig just seven weeks ago, making them a formidable test for the Scottish hosts.
The match also marks the 140th anniversary of Tynecastle, adding further significance to what is already a landmark occasion for the club.
Vrancken, who was appointed as Derek McInnes’ successor, has had only three weeks to work with his Hearts squad ahead of what promises to be a pivotal week.
Eight new signings have joined the group this summer, with the players having already been put through their paces in friendlies against St Mirren, Kilmarnock, Livingston, and Arbroath.
Forward Amadou Ba-Sy could make his first appearance after recovering from illness, while new £850,000 signing Sabri Guendouz, who arrived from Beerschot, will also attract attention from supporters.
Vrancken said: “I’m really excited to play for the fans, to be there next to the pitch in Tynecastle for the first time.”
The Belgian coach made clear that Friday’s match serves a dual purpose, combining the need for match fitness with tactical refinement ahead of the Graz encounter.
Vrancken said: “It’s always about fitness and the tactical side. We cannot wait for tactical things until now.”
He acknowledged that managing player minutes would be a careful balancing act, given the short turnaround before the Austrian trip.
Vrancken said: “The Rayo game will also be about managing minutes to be as fit as possible to Graz, but also tactical and try to make the extra step towards Graz.”
The Hearts boss was candid about his preference for having faced more European-level opposition during the pre-season build-up to the club’s first Champions League campaign in 20 years.
Vrancken said: “Yeah, for sure, it would be even better if we had a few opponents like this to compete with them before the Graz game.”
Despite the tight scheduling, he remained positive about the quality of opposition Rayo Vallecano presents, adding: “It’s good that we have such a strong opponent to push ourselves.”
Benat San Jose leads the Madrid outfit to Edinburgh as both clubs prepare for what will be a high-profile and competitive evening at Gorgie.
About the Author
