'This club is a sleeping giant' - Daniel Stendel on Hearts fans' passion and what amazes and irritates him

Daniel Stendel believes Hearts are a “sleeping giant” he hopes to awaken, but is irritated at not receiving complaints from fans on the street with regards to the club’s position.

The German has been surprised by what he has seen so far since being appointed in December.

Despite winning just one league game and the team bottom of the table, he is amazed at the passion and trust the fans have.

In an interview with Bild, a newspaper in his homeland, Stendel reckons it is his passion which has seen the Hearts support take to him.

“Absolute passion and total dedication to football is written here in huge letters,” he said. “I feel and live this passion. And the fans obviously like that.

“I'm not as wild as I used to be. But standing on the sidelines with my arms crossed - I couldn't. And certainly not in this crazy atmosphere in our stadium.

“We are bottom of the table, have often lost at home this season and yet the fans are always roaring to the last second. That would not be the case with a club in Germany that is in a similarly difficult sporting situation.”

One aspect Stendel can’t get his head around is meeting fans around Edinburgh.

“Internationally, Scottish football is dormant, there have been no great successes for a long time,” he said. “And yet football and love for their club determine the lives of the people here.

“And do you know what always amazes and irritates me? When I am approached by Hearts fans on the street in Edinburgh, I don't hear any complaints. People just have a lot of trust in us and a lot of patience.”

The 45-year-old, who arrived via Barnsley, has sent a strong message that he is here to stay.

Stendel said: “I am convinced that we can stay in the league. This club is a sleeping giant. I never expected that. I want to build something here and help improve the image of Scottish football internationally.”