Celtic’s title charge is being defined by control, not belief, and that distinction is now being openly acknowledged by those trying to keep pace.
The language coming from the Hearts camp at this stage of the season reveals far more about the gap at the top than any league table ever could.
The difference is not just results, it is mindset, and that is now clear in how McInnes has framed the challenge ahead with Celtic.
Will we hunt Hearts down and win the title?
Underdog mentality highlights the gap at the top
Derek McInnes did not attempt to dress it up when assessing the challenge facing his side, stating Hearts go into these games normally as an underdog while leaning heavily on belief to bridge that gap.
He said: “Certainly the kind of determination we have and we get into these games normally as an underdog. And I think that we have always been an underdog this season with real belief, genuine belief.
“And I think we’ve played with a confidence and a belief that we can win the [Rangers] game, even last week, or any of the Derby games we’ve played, we’ve always tried to go to the wire to try and win games with a lot of late winners.
“The games against Rangers and Celtic have been a good reference for me going into these games, because we’re gonna have to lean on everything. But I think when it comes to this stage of the season, to just try to find that winning performance, because winning brings so much to it, and defeats can be quite damaging, and there’s not a lot of room for error.
“But I think my record has been really strong, and I think it’s really the determination of the team. And there’s been different makeup to the teams against different Rangers and Celtic teams.
So I think the game has got a lot on it, for obvious reasons. I think every team in with the chance of winning the title will see themselves as well in it.”
That framing matters because it places Hearts, and by extension others in the race, in a position where belief is required just to compete and get the title over the line.
Belief and fine margins are not the same as authority
McInnes repeatedly referenced late winners and taking games to the wire, which underlines a reliance on narrow margins rather than sustained dominance.
That approach can deliver results, as Celtic have proven this season, and it is a model that defines title-winning consistency across a full campaign.
However, in the final four games of the season, that cannot always be relied upon, especially as the pressure ramps up.
McInnes’ comments unintentionally highlight a divide that where others are forced to maximise belief and minimise mistakes, Celtic set the standard in this and have proved it time and time again over decades.
The title race is not being shaped by who believes the most, it is being decided by who controls the most, and that remains the clearest line between Celtic and the rest.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
