"We just started to believe a long time ago, but just couldn't say."
Claudio Braga has told Sky Sports News that Hearts players have been high in Premiership title confidence for much of this dramatic campaign.
The Jambos have led the way for most of the season and are three points clear of current champions Celtic, with Rangers a further point behind.
Braga, who is one of the nominees for PFA Scotland Premiership player of the year, knows the Jambo's first title since 1960 is within their grasp.
"We just wanted to face it game by game and that was really important," the Portuguese forward told Sky Sports News.
"Now we know that we are in a place that if we win every game, we win the title. That's something that the city is expecting, the club is expecting and the fans are expecting.
"We need to be calm, and we have a very important game Monday night [vs Rangers], and hopefully we get there with three points.
"We started to believe a long time ago, but just couldn't say nothing like that. Now, just four games to go, it's on us."
The 26-year-old joined Hearts from Norwegian second-tier side Aalesunds last summer and is the club's current top scorer this season with 17 goals.
"I was thinking is it possible to win silverware, some kind of cup. That was my expectation, and maybe fight for top three.
"That was definitely the expectation when I came to Hearts and tried to fight for my spot.
"I wasn't even sure if I can maybe start or not. The level was different from what I was, so that was a big step for me.
"I wasn't expecting anything that happened this year, so it's just a big surprise, but I'm so glad for it."
Hearts' next Scottish Premiership match is at home to Rangers on May 4, live on Sky Sports.
VOTE: Sky Sports Scottish Premiership Goal of the Season
With the 2025/26 season nearing a dramatic conclusion, we're giving you the chance to vote for your Scottish Premiership goal of the season so far.
Aberdeen's Marko Lazetic, Celtic's Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, Hyun-Jun Yang and Sebastian Tounekti, Dundee's Ethan Hamilton, Zac Sapsford of Dundee United, Falkirk's Kyrell Wilson, Hearts' Alex Kyziridis, Ben Brannan of Kilmarnock, plus Rangers pair Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti are up for the award.
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