Wouter Vrancken said Hearts could not absorb the damaging double blow of losing Tomas Magnusson and Calvin Miller as their Premier Sports Cup hopes ended in a 2-1 semi-final defeat by Hibs.
The Tynecastle side were already without eight first-team players before Magnusson and Miller were forced off during the opening 38 minutes of the Hampden clash.
Vrancken believed the loss of two more important players was crucial as Hearts failed to build on the early advantage given to them by Claudio Braga.
Hibs recovered through goals from Martin Boyle and Jamie McGrath, booking a place in next month’s final against Rangers.
‘I’m really sore and disappointed, of course, especially when you see how the game was going,’ Vrancken said.
‘It didn’t have to go that way because we had control with the way we started.
Wouter Vrancken believes Hearts were in control until injuries forced two key players off
Tomas Magnusson receives treatment for the head injury that ended his involvement early in the semi-final
Calvin Miller leaves Hampden on crutches after appearing to suffer a knee injury
‘But everything changed when Tomas was injured, that’s clear. Then it happened again with Cal.
‘I’m not blaming the players who came off, but those changes disrupted our rhythm.
‘We lost some connections and were no longer winning enough duels. At the start, we were collecting second balls and moving into the right spaces.
‘Then we lost those qualities and had to find our way again. We hesitated, and that allowed Hibs far too much room.
‘You lose the game during those 20 minutes. At half-time, we tried to make adjustments, provide clarity and remove those hesitations.
‘It was much better after the break and we were back in control of the game.
‘Unfortunately, we weren’t rewarded. The players have suffered a lot of mental and emotional blows, so you hope they get something for all the hard work they put in.
‘It’s a pity they didn’t, particularly in a game like this.’
Magnusson was withdrawn after suffering a head knock, while Miller went off with what appeared to be a knee injury.
‘I haven’t seen Tomas because he’s in hospital,’ Vrancken explained.
‘Calvin is wearing a brace, but it’s too early to say. We have to wait for a scan tomorrow.
‘The medical staff carried out a concussion test on Tomas on the pitch at the time.
‘He passed it, but when he came over to me, he was swaying from side to side and could no longer stand properly.
‘When I saw that, there was no doubt in my mind that he should not go back on. He said, “I can’t do it.”‘
Vrancken now has major selection problems ahead of Thursday’s Conference League trip to Swiss side Thun.
‘I don’t know how I will make the changes. We’ll see how things develop and who is fit,’ he said.
‘Some players will have to operate out of position, so we will see who has the quality to fill the different roles.
‘We have to put the puzzle together on Monday or Tuesday.
‘We also have to keep encouraging the players because once you step on to the pitch, there can be no excuses. You have to take responsibility, commit fully and try to win.
‘We have 10 players out. When everyone is available, you have a really strong Premiership squad.
‘The players have taken responsibility in difficult moments, including when we dominated parts of the game today.
‘When they do that, you hope they can reward themselves, as they did during the second half today. It’s just a shame the final 20 minutes of the first half proved decisive.
‘Everyone is disappointed, regardless of the situation we are in.
‘When you look at the second half, you know there was something in the game for us today, despite the injuries we suffered.
‘That is why the disappointment is so great. It is not simply about losing players; it is about missing the opportunity to beat our rivals and reach the final.’
