Derek McInnes says the Hearts squad’s warm‑weather training stint in Spain is intended to give the players a breather – a chance to find some calm before the high‑pressure Edinburgh derby that could decide their Scottish Premiership title ambitions. With a weekend free of fixtures, the league‑leading Jambos have taken up residence in La Manga, swapping the familiar sights of Edinburgh for the sunny Spanish coast in order to fine‑tune their fitness and mental focus ahead of the final five matches of a campaign that could bring them glory. At present Hearts sit one point ahead of Rangers at the top of the table, and the next big test comes in the form of a derby against city rivals Hibernian, scheduled for the following Sunday.
McInnes explained that the decision to travel was not simply about changing the training routine for its own sake, but about providing a different environment that would allow the squad to concentrate on themselves without the usual distractions. "I think this week, rather than just training for training’s sake, we thought a change of scenery would let the players focus on themselves for a period," McInnes said in a club interview conducted from their Spanish base.
"Obviously they all have families, many have young children, and there are all the usual demands that come with that. We know what lies ahead – there’s a lot of attention, a lot of focus on the upcoming games – but it’s also exciting.
This is a little bit of calm, a chance to be together, get the work done and be as prepared as possible." He emphasized that the calm is temporary and purposeful. "Next week we have a full working week back in Edinburgh ahead of the derby. There won’t be any major changes to our preparation for that," he added, underscoring that the Spanish camp is a supplement to, not a replacement for, the rigorous training they will undertake at home.
The manager also touched on the injury situation, noting that he is still awaiting a full assessment of Oisin McEntee’s problem after the winger was hurt in the Saturday victory over Motherwell. McEntee’s fitness will be a key factor, as McInnes wants to avoid a repeat of the last time Hearts visited Easter Road, where they fell behind 3‑0 before eventually losing 3‑2 in December. "We’re trying not to think too much about the Hibs game right now because next week we will be fully focused on it," McInnes said. "It’s important not to get too caught up in it, but at the same time it’s impossible to ignore.
It’s a fantastic fixture for both clubs and a big occasion for the supporters. We know what’s waiting for us and we know the intent that Hibs will bring." He continued, "We want to make sure we deliver the type of performance we’ve shown most often this season, not the first‑half display we gave at Easter Road last time out. It’s a big game for Hibs as well.
I think David Gray has done a good job there. They’re on par with where they were last season; their points tally mirrors what they had at this stage last year when they earned plaudits for finishing third. They’re a good, capable side.
It’s crucial that we do our jobs well enough to give ourselves the best chance of winning." The Spanish training camp, set against the backdrop of La Manga’s beaches, offers the team a chance to work on technical drills, tactical rehearsals, and conditioning in a climate that differs markedly from the often chilly Scottish weather. According to McInnes, the change of environment also helps to break the monotony that can creep into a long season, keeping the squad mentally fresh. He believes that the combination of focused training sessions, team‑building activities, and the simple pleasure of a sunny locale can translate into sharper performances when they return to Edinburgh. Beyond the immediate tactical preparation, McInnes highlighted the importance of family time and player welfare.
"The players have families, some have young kids, and the rigmarole that comes with that. Giving them a chance to be together away from the day‑to‑day pressures of the city helps them relax and recharge," he said. This holistic approach reflects a modern coaching philosophy that values mental health as much as physical readiness.
Looking ahead, the manager warned that while the Spanish trip provides a breather, the intensity will ramp up quickly. "When we get back, we’ll have a full working week, and the derby will be the focus of everything we do. There won’t be any major changes to our preparation – just a continuation of the work we’ve been doing, now with the added benefit of the calm we’ve found here." He also reiterated that the squad must stay disciplined and avoid overthinking the upcoming challenge. "It’s easy to get ahead of yourself, but we have to keep our heads down, stick to the plan, and execute what we’ve practiced.
The fans expect a high‑level performance, and we intend to deliver it," McInnes concluded. In summary, Hearts are using their Spanish training camp as a strategic pause – a period of calm and focused preparation – before they head back to Scotland for one of the most significant fixtures of the season. The manager’s aim is to ensure the players return refreshed, fit, and mentally sharp, ready to face Hibernian in a match that could have major implications for the title race.
The club hopes that this blend of rest, training, and team cohesion will translate into a strong performance on the pitch, keeping their title hopes alive as the season reaches its climax.