Source: Team_Talk
Hibs form not good enough - Hughes
John Hughes has admitted to jealousy over Dundee United's success this season as he prepares his Hibernian side for Sunday's Tannadice clash.[LNB] Three months ago, Hibs boss Hughes was dreaming of finishing third in the Scottish Premier League and reaching the Scottish Cup final.[LNB]But it is United who have fulfilled those twin ambitions, while Hibs' season has unravelled spectacularly.[LNB]Wednesday's crazy 6-6 draw at Motherwell epitomised their entire campaign, with Hughes' men storming into a 6-2 lead before collapsing to what could easily have been a humiliating defeat.[LNB]They now need to better the Steelmen's result at Rangers on Sunday to snatch fourth place and the SPL's last guaranteed Europa League spot, while opponents United have long had European football to look forward to.[LNB]Asked if he had sent envious glances northward, Hughes said: "Yes - you always (want to) set standards and benchmarks.[LNB]"Dundee United, outwith the Old Firm, have certainly done that.[LNB]"And we've not been too far away from them."[LNB]Indeed, Hughes remains determined to put a positive spin on his first season in charge of his boyhood idols, despite a run that has seen them beat only bottom two Kilmarnock and Falkirk in their last 17 games.[LNB]"I think it goes missing that we're still fighting for that European spot," he said, before admitting: "Our form's not been good enough and we should've had it wrapped up."[LNB]Not for the first time this season, Hughes hit out at his side's attitude after Wednesday's game, but he refused to threaten his underperforming players with the transfer list.[LNB]"It's not changes - it's one or two in to help them along," he said.[LNB]"If one or two move on, that's part and parcel of football."[LNB]Hughes cited young defender Paul Hanlon as an example of everything that was both good and bad about the club.[LNB]"I think he'll go on and play for his country," he said.[LNB]"He could possibly go and captain Hibs.[LNB]"I think he's got a wonderful career ahead of him, I really do.[LNB]"But, right at this moment in time, what he needs to do is get a streak in him.[LNB]"He can be the nicest boy in the world off the park but, when he walks over that white line, he needs to turn into a warrior."[LNB]Hanlon could find himself replaced at the back by Sol Bamba tomorrow after the latter completed his three-match suspension.[LNB]The Ivory Coast defender - who will be watched by national team boss Sven-Goran Eriksson - admits Hibs' defence is lacking confidence but refused to lay the blame on an ever-changing back line.[LNB]"Obviously, you want to play always the same back four and same goalie," he said.[LNB]"But it's never easy. You need to deal with suspension and injury and form."[LNB]He added: "If we finish in Europe, I think we will be happy.[LNB]"But we expected more because we started very well.[LNB]"I think we've been third nearly all season, apart from the last three months."[LNB]Bamba dismissed suggestions United might go easy on Hibs tomorrow ahead of next Saturday's cup final.[LNB]"No, never," he said. "They've got a cup final next week and I think they're going to fight for places.[LNB]"They're going to be up for it and we need to be ready.[LNB]"It's 90 minutes to play, we know what we need to do to be in fourth place.[LNB]"It's up to us."
