Source: Team_Talk
Mixu calm over Hibs reunion
Kilmarnock boss Mixu Paatelainen says it will be business as usual when he takes on Hibs for the first time since quitting Easter Road.[LNB] Paatelainen - who also played for the Edinburgh side - resigned from Hibs in May 2009 after a season and a half in the hotseat.[LNB]But, as far as he is concerned, Kilmarnock's opponents in the Co-operative Insurance Cup third-round tie will hold no extra incentive for the Finn.[LNB]He said: "I will treat it as a normal game. There is nothing in it.[LNB]"You play against teams that you have played for or you have managed before.[LNB]"There are obviously lots of friends there, good people and good players and it will be good to see them.[LNB]"There is no difference for me but it will be good to see the people."[LNB]Killie stunned Celtic with an early opener on Sunday only to eventually lose the Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash.[LNB]But Paatelainen believes there are plenty of positives to take from the game when Hibs come calling.[LNB]"I thought we started the match fantastically well against Celtic," he said.[LNB]"The first half, all in all, was good. We might have added to the 1-0 lead and to be able to do something like that against a quality team like Celtic is wonderful.[LNB]"Hopefully we can keep the spirit up and have a great performance tomorrow as well."[LNB]Paatelainen recruited a number of new players after taking over as Kilmarnock boss in the summer.[LNB]And he believes their positive start to the season is down to how well his new-look team has gelled.[LNB]He said: "I'm pleased with that because, whenever you bring in a new player, there is always an element of risk there.[LNB]"When new players come in, sometimes it takes a bit of time for them to get used to the Scottish style of football and the pace of the game.[LNB]"But the players who have come in have done well so far and they have definitely improved us so we welcome that and we are pleased that the new boys have settled in so quickly."[LNB]
