Paatelainen backing for Hughes

23 September 2010 16:31
Mixu Paatelainen has branded criticism aimed at Hibs boss John Hughes in the wake of their Co-op Cup defeat to Kilmarnock as "totally unfair".[LNB] A section of supporters called for Hughes' head towards the end of the 3-1 defeat last night, after fans had booed the team off the pitch at the weekend.[LNB]Paatelainen was replaced in the Hibs hotseat by Hughes following his resignation in May 2009 and the Finn has every faith in his friend to transform the fortunes of the Edinburgh club, while claiming criticism so early in the season is unjustified.[LNB]"I think it's totally unfair," said the Kilmarnock boss.[LNB]"Big Yogi is a hard-working guy, he's a very likeable guy, honest and straightforward.[LNB]"He did fantastically well last season, guiding Hibs to Europe. Sometimes you have a sticky start to the season.[LNB]"People have been totally unfair towards him but he will turn it around and get it right and I certainly hope so. Yogi is my friend, we played together and he is a likeable character.[LNB]"Other people's reaction is not justified at all."[LNB]Paatelainen added: "I think it happens everywhere and it's a shame because the efforts of managers and players is unbelievable.[LNB]"Certainly, at our club, we know how hard we work and how much detail we cover and we don't cut hours. It is a shame. Through hard work you can change things and that's what we believe in."[LNB]Kilmarnock were handed a home draw against Rangers in the quarter-final of the cup.[LNB]But, for Paatelainen, there was still a lingering sense of injustice over their clash with Hibs after referee Willie Collum reversed a penalty award for Killie, who were trailing by an early goal at the time.[LNB]Collum had pointed to the spot after Sol Bamba brought down Conor Sammon but changed his decision to a corner after consulting with fourth official Bobby Madden.[LNB]Having since watched the incident again, Paatelainen said: "My opinion is that it was a penalty. The direction of the ball didn't change at all.[LNB]"Sol Bamba came from the inside from quite a big angle and, if he'd touched the ball, the ball would have clearly changed direction. That wasn't the case.[LNB]"I must have looked at it about 50 times, in slow motion, stopping it, really analysing it.[LNB]"The reason why I did it is because I want the referees to make the right decision and I was hoping that was the case. But, for me, it was a penalty."[LNB]Next up for Killie is the visit to Hamilton and the manager added: "It will be a different match. It's away from home and Hamilton are a very, very good team.[LNB]"They can sometimes apply systems that can cause you problems if you're not prepared so we will be prepared for any shapes they might throw at us.[LNB]"It will be an interesting match."

Source: Team_Talk