Sport Nation 2Hibernian manager David Gray has issued a stern warning to his players following their back-to-back defeats by Celtic, emphasizing that significant changes could be imminent if performances do not improve. The defeats, which occurred over consecutive weekends, have left Hibs in an early-season crisis, prompting Gray to question the commitment and quality of his current squad.
A Rocky Start to the Season
Hibernian’s early season has been turbulent, with the team struggling to find form under David Gray, who is in his first term as the club’s permanent manager. The consecutive losses to Celtic have not only knocked Hibs out of the league cup but also raised concerns about the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead in the Scottish Premiership.
In the most recent defeat, Celtic cruised to a 3-0 victory, with Daizen Maeda scoring twice and Nicolas Kuhn adding another to secure the Hoops’ place in the league cup quarter-finals, where they will face Falkirk. For Celtic, it has been a promising start to the season, as they continue to play some impressive football under their current management. However, for Hibernian, the defeats have exposed significant weaknesses, leading to growing frustration within the squad and among the fans.
Gray’s Warning to His Players
After the latest loss, David Gray did not mince his words, making it clear that the current level of performance from his players is unacceptable. In a candid post-match interview, Gray expressed his dissatisfaction with the repeated mistakes and lack of intensity shown by his team.
“Everyone who is playing at the moment, has the level been good enough? No,” Gray stated bluntly. “So I can’t keep picking the same players that keep making mistakes all the time. At the same time, we can’t continue to do the things we’re doing.”
Gray’s comments indicate that he is considering making wholesale changes to the lineup in an attempt to find a winning formula. This could mean opportunities for fringe players to step up or perhaps even a dip into the transfer market before the window closes, as Hibernian seeks to strengthen their squad and address the issues that have plagued their early matches.
Challenges Ahead for Hibernian
Hibernian’s upcoming fixtures do not offer much respite, as they face a tough trip to Paisley to take on St. Mirren before their first Glasgow derby of the season on September 1st. These matches will be critical for Gray and his team, as they look to turn their season around and avoid slipping further down the league table.
The Glasgow derby, in particular, will be a significant test for Hibernian. Matches against Celtic and Rangers are always high-pressure encounters, and with Hibs already under scrutiny, the team will need to show considerable improvement if they are to compete effectively.
The Road to Recovery
For Hibernian to recover from their current slump, several key areas need addressing. First and foremost, the team’s defensive solidity must improve. The ease with which Celtic broke down Hibs’ defense in both recent encounters highlighted a lack of organization and communication at the back. Gray may need to consider altering his defensive setup, either by changing personnel or adopting a more conservative tactical approach to stem the flow of goals.
In addition to tightening up defensively, Hibs need to rediscover their attacking spark. The team has struggled to create clear-cut chances in recent games, and this lack of creativity has left them vulnerable to opponents who can capitalize on their defensive frailties. Gray might look to inject more pace and ingenuity into the forward line, possibly by giving opportunities to younger players or new signings.
Potential Squad Changes
Gray’s warning suggests that no player’s position in the starting lineup is safe, and this could lead to significant changes in the coming weeks. Players who have underperformed may find themselves benched or even dropped from the squad entirely, while those who have shown promise in training could be given a chance to prove themselves in competitive matches.
The possibility of new signings cannot be ruled out either. With the transfer window still open, Hibernian could look to bring in reinforcements to bolster their ranks. Whether it’s a commanding center-back to shore up the defense or a creative midfielder to drive the team forward, any additions to the squad will need to make an immediate impact.
Conclusion
David Gray’s stern warning to his Hibernian players is a clear indication that he is not willing to tolerate subpar performances as the team navigates the challenges of the Scottish Premiership. The consecutive defeats to Celtic have left Hibs in a precarious position early in the season, and significant changes may be on the horizon as Gray seeks to revive his team’s fortunes.
With crucial fixtures against St. Mirren and in the Glasgow derby approaching, the pressure is on for Hibernian to bounce back and demonstrate that they are capable of competing at the highest level. Gray’s willingness to make tough decisions and potentially overhaul his squad could be the catalyst Hibs need to get their season back on track. As the transfer window deadline looms, the next few weeks will be pivotal in determining whether Hibernian can recover from their early setbacks and build a team capable of challenging for honors in the Scottish Premiership.
Sport nation
Amina Umar