Hearts manager Paulo Sergio has moved to play down expectations ahead of Sunday's William Hill Scottish Cup fifth-round clash with St Johnstone at Tynecastle.
The anticipated exodus of talent from Hearts did not transpire during the January transfer window and, despite the apparent strength of his squad, Sergio believes further tough times lie ahead.
Hearts last month paid their players on schedule for the first time in four months, thus avoiding unlimited sanctions from the Scottish Premier League, but Sergio was keen not to set aims ahead of the Saints clash.
Sergio said: "With all that is happening with us, nobody has the right to set targets.
"We know what we want. We know we're going to give 100% every single game and nobody wants more than us to win the games and give big joy to our supporters.
"With all these problems we're living all the season, you never know when we're growing.
"I don't accept expectations on us to be third or fourth (in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League) or win the cup."
The Portuguese boss, who succeeded Jim Jefferies in August, is keen to add to Hearts' success in the Scottish Cup, a competition the club won in 1998 and 2006, and is eager to stay in Edinburgh long term.
Sergio said: "It's a club with a huge history, more than 100 years, with big achievements. You can be proud to work in an institution like that.
"I'm very proud of what Hearts means to this city, to this country. I'm very happy in the club.
"It's a pity we're living hard times but what can you do? We have to fight.
"I know Hearts have won cups before, so it would be great if we could make history at this club.
"We know to arrive there are mountains we have to climb. St Johnstone is a hard one."
Saints knocked Hearts out of the cup last term and have twice beaten Sergio's men in the SPL this season.
The Hearts boss dismissed suggestions he will tinker with his squad for the game.
He said: "Every single game I put out my strongest team. I believe in my players. I never put a weak team on the pitch.
"Nobody wants more than me to win games."
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