Away from a grim start to the league campaign, which was compounded by an abject defeat away to 10-man Kilmarnock on Sunday, Hearts had the chance to create European history against a club who were already eliminated from the competition.
A victory would have sealed progression to the Conference League knockout stage, but another concerning display resulted in a 2-2 draw against a team who have only won once in their history away from home in Europe.
The atmosphere at Tynecastle was bordering on becoming toxic after Critchley’s men went into the break a goal down.
“A result like this, fans will switch off to Critchley, he’ll be done,” Preston said at the interval.
“There will be no coming back. It looks like the players are not up for this. The performance has been rubbish, absolutely rubbish.”
Although Hearts briefly turned it around, thanks to goals from 17-year-old James Wilson and Blair Spittal, a late Petrocub penalty denied them becoming the first Scottish side outside of the Old Firm since 2008 to make the knockout phase of a European competition.
“We didn’t do enough” and “we can’t blame anyone else” was the view of Critchley post-match – and that was echoed by captain Lawrence Shankland.
“We’ve only got ourselves to blame,” the Scotland striker told TNT Sports. “The boys showed good character at times because it got hostile out there.
“But from that [winning] position, we should really win the game. I didn’t feel the boys didn’t try or work hard, it was just a lack of quality.
“It’s not been there all season – it’s been disappointing.”
With Europe no longer a distraction after a disappointing exit, Hearts now have to focus on dragging themselves away from relegation danger.
Three of their next four games come at Tynecastle, starting with St Johnstone on Saturday before an Edinburgh derby against Hibernian on Boxing Day, but Preston is predicting a rough ride unless things improve dramatically.
“It hasn’t been good enough this season,” he added. “Legs seem to have gone from some of these Hearts players. They are not at the level required.
“That opening 45-minute performance will get them relegated.”
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