St Johnstone Manager Simo Valakari Challenges Team Amidst Premiership Struggles

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari has challenged his players to “show what kind of team we are” after the club dropped to the foot of the Premiership table. Following a 2-1 defeat by Hearts on Sunday, the Edinburgh club moved above the Saints, leaving them in last place. This marks the Perth club’s fourth game without a win this month as they prepare to host Dundee United on Boxing Day. Valakari addressed the team’s situation, stating: “There’s nobody behind us. We have put ourselves in this position and we are the only ones who can get us out of it. I believe in my players. They are honest players who are not making excuses about the situation. They are not feeling sorry for themselves. They are suffering. Are they at 100 per cent maximum confidence? Of course not, because they are losing football matches. But at the same time, we are a football team and sometimes you lose, and in those moments you need to show what you are. This is kind of our moment. We need to show what kind of team we are. We need to be ready for our next match at home. That is the opportunity when it all starts, the climbing of the table.”