Source: Team_Talk
Hughes: Hibs are trying too hard
It is almost six weeks since Hughes revealed Hibs were under orders to finish best of the rest behind the Old Firm.[LNB]They initially responded well, winning at Celtic and beating St Mirren to move to within striking distance of second spot.[LNB]But they have taken just two points from their last five games to surrender third to Dundee United.[LNB]Hughes told Hibernian TV: "It is disappointing to have dropped points in the last couple of weeks.[LNB]"I think everyone knows I am desperate that we get that third spot in the league - and I know that the spirit in our dressing room is there and that they want that as well.[LNB]"Perhaps one or two of them are letting things get on top of them recently; maybe one or two are trying a little bit too hard.[LNB]"I can see a little bit of that in Liam Miller's game, where he is trying just a bit too hard in places.[LNB]"I think we do need to mix our game up a bit more; we can play great football when the pitch is nice and slick but when as now most of the pitches are a bit sticky then we tend to struggle, and I'm taking that on board.[LNB]"But I can't give them any excuses.[LNB]"A reporter asked me the other day if our bubble had burst.[LNB]"I have, of course, seen us play better but, at this time of the year, you first need to dig in and they are doing that.[LNB]"It's just about getting the balance right and finding the wins again."[LNB]Hughes also backed Derek Riordan to come good.[LNB]Hibs' loss of form has coincided with a barren spell for the striker, who returned to the team in Saturday's 1-1 draw with St Johnstone after being dropped for the previous game at Motherwell.[LNB]"In terms of technique and finishing, Derek Riordan is the best at this club," Hughes said.[LNB]"On Saturday I felt he worked harder than he has ever done, and I'll tell you why.[LNB]"It's because we keep saying, 'Derek you need to do this, you need to do a lot of things off the ball'.[LNB]"I just feel he is taking all that on board and working a lot harder. I'm sure the goals will come for him again."[LNB][LNB]
