Danny Röhl admits the title race is slipping away from his side, as Celtic continue to apply pressure at the top.
He watched on as his side squandered a lead and dominant first half to hand Hearts the three points, leaving them seven points behind with nine to play for.
The Hoops sit second, three points behind Hearts, with the race shaping up for a dramatic finish, potentially going right down to the final day at Celtic Park.
There’s still plenty to play out.
Celtic must first navigate a huge clash with Rangers, a side they’ve yet to beat in the league this season, before a tricky trip to Motherwell.
Hearts, meanwhile, face Motherwell before hosting Falkirk, meaning the title picture could shift again before the final showdown.
But for Röhl, the damage may already be done.
After a narrow defeat, he cut a deflated figure and his words reflected that.
“I would say extremely difficult. I think we know the table,” he said, when asked on Sky Sports if the title race was over for his side.
“What is disappointing is that you work very hard to come to such a point, and you lose two games – tight ones, 2-1 and 3-2, and for me, unnecessary.
“You have to take the points in this race… this is what we have to learn very quickly.”
It’s not a full concession, but it’s close.
Celtic are chasing and Hearts are currently in the driving seat, but this season has taught us to expect twists and turns along the way.
From singing his name to some calls for change, it’s been a whirlwind few montsh for the other side of Glasgow.
