Claudio Braga opened up to Sky Sports News, explaining that the Hearts squad has carried a strong belief in their ability to clinch the Scottish Premiership title for much of this thrilling season. The Portuguese forward, who is currently in the running for the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year award, said the confidence in the dressing room has been building for a long time, even if the players were initially hesitant to voice it publicly.
Hearts have dominated the league table for the majority of the campaign, sitting three points clear of defending champions Celtic, with Rangers a further point behind in third place. This position puts the Jambo’s within striking distance of their first league crown since 1960, a milestone that Braga believes is now within realistic reach. "We just wanted to take it one match at a time, and that approach was crucial," Braga told the broadcaster.
"Now we understand that if we win every remaining game, the title will be ours. That’s the expectation of the city, the club and the supporters." The forward stressed the importance of staying calm ahead of a decisive encounter with Rangers on Monday night, emphasizing that a victory would push Hearts three points clear and bring them even closer to the historic prize. "We started to believe a long time ago, but we couldn’t say it out loud.
With only four games left, the responsibility is on us," he added. Braga, 26, arrived at Hearts from Norwegian second‑division side Aalesunds last summer.
Since joining, he has become the team's leading scorer this season, netting 17 goals across all competitions. His impact has been immediate, and his personal journey mirrors the club’s resurgence.
"When I first arrived, I wondered if I could ever win a trophy here, maybe fight for a top‑three finish," he recalled. "That was my initial expectation, and I came to Hearts to earn my place and contribute. "I wasn’t even sure I would start regularly.
The level of play was a step up from what I was used to, so it was a big challenge for me. I never imagined the season would unfold the way it has – it’s been a massive surprise, and I’m incredibly grateful for it." Hearts' next league fixture is a home clash against Rangers on May 4, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The match is seen as a potential title‑decider, with both sides aware that three points could make the difference between lifting the trophy and finishing as runners‑up. Beyond the immediate title race, the Scottish Premiership is gearing up for its season‑ending festivities. Fans are invited to vote for the Goal of the Season, with a shortlist that includes Aberdeen’s Marko Lazetic, Celtic’s Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, Hyun‑Jun Yang and Sebastian Tounekti, Dundee’s Ethan Hamilton, Dundee United’s Zac Sapsford, Falkirk’s Kyrell Wilson, Hearts’ Alex Kyziridis, Kilmarnock’s Ben Brannan, and Rangers’ Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti.
The voting platform allows supporters to watch all twelve nominated goals and select their favorite, adding an extra layer of excitement as the league wraps up. In addition to the on‑field drama, the league is promoting its Super 6 competition, offering a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool. Participants can enter for free, adding a further incentive for fans to stay engaged with the action. Overall, Braga’s comments reflect a blend of humility and ambition.
The Jambo’s have turned a long‑awaited dream into a tangible objective, and the players’ belief, nurtured over months of hard work, now stands on the brink of realization. If Hearts can maintain composure, continue winning their remaining fixtures, and secure a positive result against Rangers, they will not only fulfill the hopes of a city eager for silverware but also etch their names in the annals of Scottish football history as champions for the first time in over six decades.
The upcoming weeks promise high tension, intense competition, and the potential for a historic celebration at Tynecastle, should the Jambo’s manage to convert their confidence into the ultimate triumph.