HEARTS star Claudio Braga reckons Celtic and Rangers players may have got used to ‘winning too much and taken their foot off the gas’.
Braga has been in sensational form for the Jambos since joining them in the summer from Norwegian second tier outfit Aalesunds.
Derek McInnes‘ side are off to a flyer in the Scottish Premiership, winning nine of their first 12 matches to go seven points clear at the summit though Celtic have a game in hand.
Hearts stunning start has coincided with a drop-off in form from both halves of Glasgow.
Rangers are having to claw back the deficit under Danny Rohl after one of their worst ever starts to a season under Russell Martin.
Celtic, meanwhile, are currently looking for a new manager after Brendan Rodgers sensationally quit Parkhead last month after poor recruitment over the summer led to them crashing out of the Champions League.
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They’ve also had a disappointing start with surprise defeats to Dundee and Hearts.
And in an interview with a Portuguese outlet, Braga has reportedly said their rivals don’t lack quality but may have come a bit complacent.
He is quoted by Renascenca as saying: “They spent a lot of money on players.
“It’s not for lack of investment, although the former Celtic coach complained about that.
“I have no idea what happened, but their players are all above average quality.
They may have gotten used to winning too much and taken their foot off the gas pedal.”
He added: “We try to take it game by game and not think about the future.
“Keep our feet on the ground, not think ahead, stay calm and not be here thinking about whether we’re going to be champions.
“But that’s difficult, there’s a lot of enthusiasm, even from fans of other clubs, because it’s not one of the Glasgow clubs.”
Braga has become a firm favourite with fans after his six goals in 12 league games have helped fire the Midlothian outfit to the top of the league.
The supporters have even adapted a Queen song to chant about their Portuguese star which has gone viral.
Braga insists he has no desire to leave the club but hopes one day his performances will see him play at the highest level possible.
He added: “I feel that from here I can go to the best places.
“Now I dream of everything: the Champions League, even the national team, although I know it’s very difficult, but not impossible.
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“I would like my next team to have the same goals of fighting for titles and being in European competitions.
“I’m very happy and I’m not thinking about leaving. I’m not thinking like I did in Norway, where I played to leave.”
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