Hearts: Craig Levein insists position is not untenable despite fans' protest

Hearts fans protested after their side's home loss to Motherwell left them bottom of the Premiership

Hearts manager Craig Levein insists his position is not untenable despite Saturday's home loss to Motherwell triggering a fans' protest for him to lose his job outside Tynecastle.

Hearts are bottom of the Scottish Premiership and without a league win from their five games this season.

Levein's side have only four league victories in 2019.

"Do I feel my position is untenable? I don't," he said. "I feel I am more than capable of improving results."

The 54-year-old added: "It is just part of the job. Supporters get frustrated that their team at home should be winning.

"My focus is just on the game. I don't try and listen to anything else. It's not helpful."

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Several hundred fans gathered outside Tynecastle after the 3-2 defeat to make it plain they believe Levein's time is up.

A banner reading "Levein Out" was displayed, while a handful of irate supporters attempted to storm the stand reception.

"The season has just started. We are six points off fourth place. I don't consider that to be a huge problem for us," said Levein, whose team have two points.

There were also vociferous chants of "sack the board" - of which Levein is also a director - from the crowd outside and the manager confirmed he remains in regular dialogue with owner Ann Budge.

Levein added: "We talk about results and if results aren't good then we look to improve. It is a normal conversation."