Former Hearts Star Only Just Over Celtic Title Agony

Former Hearts defender Michael Steinwender has admitted it took him time to get over the final-day defeat to Celtic that handed the Premiership title to the Hoops.

Hearts travelled to Celtic Park on May 16 knowing they had a chance to finish the season as champions, but Martin O’Neill’s side came from behind to win 3-1 and retain the league crown.

Lawrence Shankland gave the visitors hope, but Celtic responded through Arne Engels before late goals from Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand settled the title race.

The result sparked huge celebrations inside Celtic Park, while Hearts were left to deal with the pain of falling short at the final hurdle.

Steinwender has since left Tynecastle for Bochum, but the Austrian centre-back admits the events at the end of last season were difficult to move past.

“In football, you have to look ahead as quickly as possible. Of course, it took a lot of time to process all that happened at the end of the season. But now I think I have managed to put that behind me,” Steinwender said: (The Herald).

For Celtic, it was another title win delivered under intense pressure.

Hearts had pushed the Hoops deep into the campaign and arrived in Glasgow with genuine belief that they could take the trophy, but Celtic’s experience showed when the game reached its decisive stages.

Maeda’s late finish turned the match in Celtic’s favour before Osmand added the third, removing any remaining doubt and sending the home support into celebration.

Steinwender is now focused on rebuilding in Germany after joining Bochum.

“I am here at Bochum now and I am incredibly happy and fully focused on my new task. Everyone is working very hard and looking forward to the new season. Now it’s about putting the finishing touches on things,” he said.

The defender also believes the range of experience he has gained across different leagues can help him take on a bigger role at his new club.

“At 26, I’ve already gained some experience – including in Austria, Scotland, and Sweden. I want to pass this on to the younger players and, of course, contribute on the pitch.

“As a player, you’re constantly developing, and I want to help the team as much as possible.”

For Steinwender, the move offers a fresh start.

For Celtic supporters, his admission is another reminder of just how crushing that final-day win was for Hearts, and how much was riding on the closing stages at Celtic Park.