Celtic and Rangers supporters haven’t exactly bought into Derek McInnes’ latest take on the title race.
With Hearts sitting top of the table and just a handful of games left, the idea that they’re still “underdogs” hasn’t gone down well — especially ahead of Monday’s huge clash with Rangers at Tynecastle.
The stakes couldn’t be clearer. A win for Hearts would open up a seven-point gap over Rangers and leave them within touching distance of the title. It’s the kind of moment that defines a season.
And yet, McInnes isn’t shifting his stance.
Despite his side leading the way for much of the campaign, he continues to frame Hearts as outsiders — a mindset he believes has driven their performances so far.
Speaking ahead of the game, he said: “Obviously, we get into these games normally as an underdog, and I think that we have always been an underdog this season with real belief, genuine belief.
“And I think we’ve played with a confidence and a belief that we can win the game.
“The games against Rangers and Celtic have been a good reference for me getting into these games, because we’re going to have to lean on everything.
“But I think when it comes to this stage of the season, you just try to find that winning performance, because winning brings so much to it and defeats can be quite damaging.
“And there’s not a lot of room for error.”
It’s a message rooted in caution and focus, but not everyone sees it that way.
For many fans — particularly those of Celtic and Rangers — the label doesn’t fit anymore. Hearts have spent most of the season at the top, and with four matches remaining, they’re the ones in control.
From that perspective, it’s the chasing pack who now look like the underdogs.
Unsurprisingly, supporters from both Glasgow clubs have taken to social media to question McInnes’ comments, arguing that Hearts’ position in the table speaks for itself.
Whether it’s mind games, humility, or simply habit, McInnes is sticking to his line.
But with the title race tightening and every result magnified, that narrative is becoming harder to sell.
As a result, they took to X to express their frustration with McInnes’ comments:
– “Oh my god, is this guy still using the ‘underdog’ gimmick (lol)” [@CelticNoah]
– “Been top of the league most of the season hearts are not under dogs at all at the start yes the have to be favorites now” [@Chesterandclea]
– “Stop this underdog nonsense, your are in prime position and title favourites. You’ll beat Rangers and once done so only have Motherwell away to worry about. Last game won’t matter as goal difference won’t be caught up by Celtic.” [@DerekBlair50104]
– “Underdogs?
At home
Top of the table
4 points ahead of Rangers
If McInnes genuinely thinks Hearts are underdogs then he has loser’s mentality.” [@The3rdFrame]
– “Underdog been top since week 3 away you go” [@Slimshady1961]
– “Loser’s mentality with “underdogs” patter” [@Slimshady1961]