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A TIME TO FOCUS
Changed schedule will test concentration of players - JOHN CAMPBELL
THE POSTPONEMENT OF THURSDAY'S UEFA Cup tie
in Athens was not only a huge blow to those fans already in or on their
way to the City but also to everyone on the playing, coaching, Management
and other staff at Easter Road. The whole Club had fixed its mind on
opening its UEFA Cup campaign and when the powers that be pulled the plug
it immediately caused Alex McLeish and his squad to have to re-focus.
Interestingly, there was dialog as to when the game
in Athens should take place and there was an option to play that tie on 27
September, the date set aside for the return leg at Easter Road, with the
home tie sometime later but McLeish took the decision to go for the
earliest possible meeting, perhaps in recognition of the fact that his
players were mentally prepared and that Athens would still not have
started their domestic season.
The gaffers' decision means that in a period of just 14 days, Hibs face a
punishing five game schedule which will see them face Dunfermline, Athens,
St. Johnstone, Athens again and then Livingston but Alex McLeish seems
prepared to take that all in his stride, explaining that these are the
kind of challenges top quality players revel in. Speaking ahead of
Sunday's tie with Dunfermline, McLeish told Hibs.net:
"It's a different game obviously to the one we had been preparing for but
we've spent the last two days concentrating on our game plan for Sunday
and we'll work out a little tomorrow as well. It's in the hands of
the players as to how they deal with the mental change to thinking about
which players they are facing next."
Back to league action at Easter Road on Sunday (hibs.net)
Despite losing their last four games, Dunfermline
will offer stiff opposition and McLeish is quick to acknowledge that their
gaffer, Jimmy Calderwood, has altered their style of play to something
more akin to what's on view in Dutch football, where Calderwood favoured
the passing game. The Hibs boss said: "They are a
decent and well respected side and these kind of runs have to end
sometime. It's up to us to make sure it's not Easter Road where their
luck changes"
McLeish was remaining tight lipped about how his side will line up,
contenting himself with confirming that Freddy Arpinon will be part of the
20 in the squad. Only 16 will strip of course with 4 being disappointed
but the Manager is likely to stick with the players in form and not make
too many alterations to his starting line up. He very much sees it that
those not in the side must push for their places, rather than seek their
opportunities elsewhere and had particular words of encouragement for
David Zitelli and Paco Luna, both of whom McLeish says will figure in his
plans this season but both of whom, he concedes, need a goal to boost
their confidence. He said: "David and Paco will figure in my plans
and although Craig Brewster has yet to find the target his form remains
tremendous. I am always willing to consider rotation of players but I'm
not going to try and be too clever as I prefer to stick with the players
in form. I've 20 players available to me and I'll make full use of them
as the season progresses."
Zitelli - still very much in Hibs plans (sns)
Last week's victory over Motherwell gave the Club's
league position a real boost and McLeish is clearly looking for six points
from the next two home League games to get them up where they were last
season, with the pack chasing them whilst they pursue the Old Firm. He
reiterated his view that winning becomes a habit and as a consequence
confidence is high and the League position benefits.
There is little doubt that Dunfermline will present a real challenge and
the fact they've not won a League tie at Easter Road since 1961means
nothing to Alex McLeish who clearly wishes to focus on the future and
especially the next 5 games.
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