Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland says Hearts “deserve” their lowly league position for their performances this season.
The Tynecastle club are 11th in the Scottish Premiership having taken just 16 points from 19 games.
Head coach Steven Naismith was dismissed in September after eight successive defeats, but successor Neil Critchley has been unable to take Hearts up the table.
“You need to be realistic,” Shankland said. “We’re in a position where the league would tell you that we’re not exactly a brilliant team.
“I think the season would tell you that. Right now we’re not performing like a good team.
“So we are where we are in the table because we deserve to be there and that’s the truth.
“I think if anyone shies away from that, they’re telling themselves a lie. We are where we are and now we’re going to a huge game at Ross County next that we need to go and win.”
Shankland called for signings in January to help reverse Hearts’ fortunes.
“[New arrivals] can help, yes,” the striker said. “Obviously you need quality. You need to recruit quality players that can bring a level that’s expected to perform at the football club.
“That’s what we need going forward. It’s up to the club and the management.”