Source: Team_Talk
Hibs squad stunned by Mixu exit
Paatelainen quit after less than 18 months in the role, with his decision coming as a surprise to the players.
The Finn felt the club required a change of direction, with the failure to qualify for Europe reportedly a key factor in his departure.
Stevenson has praised Paatelainen's impact during his time at Easter Road and was taken aback by the news of his exit.
"No-one expected the manager to go," said Stevenson in the Daily Record.
"After the final game of the season, everything seemed normal, the manager was shaking everyone's hands and talking about seeing them for pre-season training.
"I don't think anybody has a bad word to say about him.
"He might look like a bit of an ogre at times, but he's a lot gentler than that image. He was a good man-manager and good on the training ground."
