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Hearts goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin insists the anger insisde the changing room in the wake of the Dundee defeat proves that the players will not tolerate a drop in standards.
Levein gave his players a dressing down following the 2-1 loss prior to the international break after branding the concession of two set-piece headers from Kerr Waddell as ‘tragic’.
Captain Christophe Berra was also furious at the manner of the defeat and had some choice words for his team-mates after the game.
The Gorgie side had been criticised for not caring enough during Ian Cathro’s ill-fated reign in the dugout but summer recruit McLaughlin insists everyone was hurting following the Dens Park set-back.
McLaughlin, who is hoping Hearts can make amends in today’s clash at Ross County, said: “Everyone was really hurting and there is an anger about it and the way the goals have come about.
“I can’t speak for anything before I arrived but this season I can say, hand on heart, that it means the world to everyone.
“The gaffer has looked to bring in players for whom it really means something to wear the Hearts badge and play for this club.
“We’ve got a real good team spirit amongst the staff and the players. Everyone really wants the best for this club and for themselves and you can see that from the overall performances.
“There is a real drive, a real grit, from all the players. The work rate, the effort that they put in over 90 minutes is definitely there to see.
“It’s not like anyone is walking about the pitch, not trying.
“Unfortunately sometimes, set pieces are moments in games that can make the difference. Sometimes that is not a lack of trying.
“It’s just a bit of experience, a bit of nous, in those individual moments that really needs to be nailed down.”
Even though both Levein and Berra made their feelings clear after the game, former Burton Albion keeper McLaughlin insists their reaction was measured.
He added: “I’ve definitely seen some angry managers in my time. Even in a situation like that, they certainly didn’t lose the plot. And it wasn’t unconstructive.
“They are not looking to single out individuals and make examples of people. Of course it is frustrating, but people need to learn a lesson, which I’m sure everyone did.
“They had every right to feel the way they did. Sometimes you just need to let off a bit of steam.
“Sometimes you need to have these conversations after games.
“Everyone needs to make sure that they are on the same page and that there is an acceptable standard that everyone needs to meet if we are going to be a success. Which is what everyone wants. The players that we’ve got are good enough. They should be meeting the expectations that the gaffer and the staff have.
“It’s just a kick up the back-side really.”
