Heart of Midlothian are gearing up for the kick-off of their Uefa Conference League campaign.

They hoped to do so in better form instead head into the newly reformatted tournament still searching for their first win of the season – the worst start to a campaign in the club's history.

It means they start the Conference League with interim manager Liam Fox in charge as the search for Steven Naismith's replacement continues. 

Hearts travelled to Azerbaijan earlier in the week ahead of Thursday's league phase opener versus Dinamo Minsk which will take place behind closed doors.

Fox faced the media ahead of the game.

How big a lift did the goal on Saturday bring?

Large parts of the performance pleased us as a staff on Saturday. There were wee moments in the game where things could have gone differently, but for something to build on, it's been a really important goal. It's always better taking something than nothing. Off the back of the results we had, it's important that it's not just us talking about it being a step. We need to go out and show that and that starts tomorrow night. I think there's always an opportunity, especially in these runs and these moments. We feel like we took a wee step on Saturday. We've got a really difficult opponent tomorrow night so we've got to be respectful of that, but it's an opportunity to build on what we did on Saturday. That's how we're looking at it."

What was the thinking behind staying on UK time?

"Coming out the day earlier was all in place before I came into this interim position. We've just gone with what was in place and planned before. It's three hours of a difference. We're hoping that when we come back, it'll have an effect in the recovery period. We're looking forward to Sunday. At the moment, all we're focusing on is tomorrow night against a very tough opponent. We've done a good bit of work on them. I think what's really important for me is that the focus is always on us. Being in this interim period for however long it may be, we can look at all different other teams. We can look and watch loads of footage and we can show the players loads of bits and pieces. But what is most important is how we are – how we are in possession and how we are out of possession and how we go after the game."

What do you expect from Dinamo Minsk?

"I think they're a good side. They're in really good form. They've got some really good individual players, they've got some good speed, they've got some good size. Any game, any opponent at this level is going to have some really good players. It'll be no easy game. But I repeat, it's about what we do. It's about how we set up and that's why my focus is on us rather than the opponent."

What's the team news?

"Everybody is fit and healthy so I have some selection headaches, which is good. We'll see where we are tomorrow night and see what team we put out. As I said last week, it's a big squad. There's a lot of talent. There's a lot of quality. Action and applications have been good. Training sessions have been good they're giving me decisions to make, which is good."

Why did Oda, Salazar, Boateng miss out on Saturday?

"It was just a selection thing. It probably highlights the strength of the squad and the depth of the squad. These guys were naturally disappointed, which we want. We want players that want to play and want to be involved. But ultimately you can only pick a squad for a matchday and there's going to be people missing out. And unfortunately that is just the situation that we're in.

Are they here?

Yes, everybody's here and travelled. Obviously we've got a big number on the bench tomorrow. But they're all giving me different challenges. They're all training properly, which gives me selection issues and dilemmas.

From Lowland League to Conference League in 10 days?

It's a fair jump. But as I've said, I'm just really enjoying this experience. It's a privilege to be here, an honour to be here. We'll do everything we can to help the players. As I said last week, I feel that's my job, to help players. That's how I see coaching and management. We'll do everything we can to be ready for tomorrow night, for a tough opponent. But I've got belief in the group. We've seen on Saturday moments that we're hopefully taking a wee step. So we're looking forward to the game. I think the feeling in the group is that it's excitement. The players worked so hard to get to this opportunity, to get to this level, they had a brilliant season last year. We're going to enjoy this, but the best way of enjoying it is putting on a performance. You put on a performance, you get your best chance of taking three points.

What does training look like tonight? 

In the last couple of days, we've done the majority of our planning and preparation. Just a lighter session tonight. Again, the attitude of the players has been really, really good. Then we'll have a bit of time tomorrow, if there's anything we need to touch up on. Then we'll be ready to go and come kick off tomorrow night.

Have you spoken about the empty stadium? 

No, not really. I think a lot of these boys have played during the Covid time. Are we going to miss the supporters? Absolutely. Because of what they bring in, the energy they bring in. They're a big, big miss to us, we're aware of that. But as I've said previously, you've got two ways of looking at things. You can mump and moan about it, or you can just get on with it. It's a situation, and it's just another challenge for us to overcome.

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It would be good to take the first win of the season back for them?

Yeah, that would be lovely. We're conscious that will be loads of Hearts supporters in pubs and homes, back at home. Like I say, we can never promise that we're going to win, but we'll do everything we can to try and get that win. 

Do you take any responsibility for the coefficient?

First and foremost, it's Hearts. It's us. It's the next game, it's the next opportunity, and we're just focusing on trying to get that first victory of the season.