Hearts manager Walter Francken praised Ugandan winger Rogers Mato after moving him to left-back to face Mohamed Salah in the 2-0 defeat by Trabzonspor in the UEFA Conference League.
Hearts travelled to Turkey without several first-choice midfielders and defenders, having suffered a heavy 7-1 loss to Celtic on Sunday. Their problems worsened on the eve of the match when left-back Harry Milne sustained an injury believed to be an anterior cruciate ligament tear during training at Papara Park.
Francken responded by selecting Mato, an attacking player, in an unfamiliar defensive position. The decision raised concerns before kick-off, but Mato produced an impressive display and helped Hearts avoid a heavier defeat.
Salah put the home side ahead from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute. The former Liverpool player then created Trabzonspor’s second goal, setting up Franckolino in the 58th minute.
Explaining his decision to deploy Mato at left-back, Francken told BBC Scotland: “Yes, I spoke to him today, after Harry had to withdraw from the game yesterday.”
“I spoke to Rogers today and he was very clear during our conversation. He said: ‘No problem.’ I gave him some details about the position and about the task of marking Salah.”
Francken said Mato’s pace and strength in one-on-one situations made him suitable for the assignment, despite his lack of experience in the role.
“I knew he could cope with the speed in that position,” he added. “I also know that when Rogers is fully focused, he is very strong in one-on-one situations, especially because he is essentially an attacking player.”
The Hearts manager acknowledged that the decision would have attracted criticism had Salah scored more than once.
“That is why I am pleased to see it worked out this way,” he said. “If Salah had scored two or three goals, everyone would have said the decision was wrong and unsuccessful. But you have to trust some players.”
Francken also highlighted the contribution of players operating outside their usual positions during a difficult period for the squad.
“When you see players performing in positions different from their natural ones because of necessity, that is a positive thing,” he said. “We had only one midfielder available, with six players injured. Jordi Altiena also delivered an excellent performance in midfield, even though it is not his natural position.”
Hearts’ manager said the display offered a response to the Celtic defeat and showed the team’s ability to perform collectively despite the injuries.
“I am happy to see these things happening, and that we were able to move beyond last week’s result and produce a good team performance,” he said.
