Daniel Stendel's influence is already clear at Hearts. A high press in a compact shape, determined tackling, attacking diamonds, forward passing options and, basically, the complete opposite of everything Craig Levein tried during his time in charge.

Was the 2-1 victory over Steven Gerrard's Rangers an example of things to come? Is this the new Hearts? Or was this a relegation threatened side punching up against a visiting giant?

Stendel's high press system

Stendel wants his side to press from the front with a high defensive line and maintain a compact shape both in terms of width and depth, in a high risk, high reward strategy which depends upon discipline, bravery and total trust in the manager's plan to execute effectively.

Pushing the defensive line up the pitch gets the team in possession closer to goal with wider control of the pitch but requires everyone working in sync and a lot of running. The obvious risk is any turnover in possession can lead to the chasm of space left behind the back line being exploited by direct passes or pacy forwards, something Rangers were entirely capable of doing.