Source: FOOTYMAD
Pressure On Managers
Results matter and managers do not get that much time to deliver what is expected by the fans Neil Lennon claims the pressure Hibs counterpart John Hughes is under ahead of today's game at Parkhead is an example of the demands made of modern-day managers. Still unhappy from the poor end to last season, Hibs fans turned on Hughes in the 3-1 Co-operative Insurance Cup defeat at Kilmarnock in midweek which left Hibs with one win in eight this season. Lennon took over as permanent Celtic manager in the summer, following a period as interim manager in the wake of Tony Mowbray's departure, and he is well aware of the growing demands made on players and managers. He said: "Everything is relative in terms of everyone has their own pressure at their club. Results haven't been great for Hibs recently but if anyone can turn it around it will be him. I would say that people are too quick to turn on managers and players because I am a manager. But it seems to be an increasingly short time before people do turn on managers. It is the unfortunate part of the job. I think the way the game is, the average span of a manager now is maybe only a season, a season and a half, and it is ridiculous.'' Celtic captain Skipper Scott Brown returns from an ankle problem to face his old side, but Emilio Izaguirre misses out with a thigh injury sustained in the 6-0 Co-operative Insurance Cup win over Inverness in midweek. Paddy McCourt (shoulder), James Forrest, (ankle) and Jos Hooiveld (knock) are all still on the sidelines. Under-pressure Hibs manager Hughes is looking forward to taking his beleaguered team to Parkhead. Hibs fans will travel in pessimistic mood after Celtic scored 11 goals in their last three outings while their favourites recent showings have been less than overwhelming. Hibs finished fourth last season under Hughes, qualifying for the Europa League, but have made an inauspicious start this term - something Hughes believes can end with a shock at Parkhead. Hughes said: "It doesn't get any easier, but that's football. When the going gets tough and you really want to show real character, bring on the best. And Celtic are certainly one of the best in Scotland, so we'll see what we're made of. I'll always go there and have a go; I won't give my players any hiding place. You put that Hibs jersey on and you have to go out and express yourself. It's a funny game, we're more than capable of going there, carrying a bit of luck and getting something. We should be going to Parkhead and people should be saying anything could happen. Hibs are not at that stage, that's what we're working towards. With our kind of form, no expectations, so maybe the pressure's off us a wee bit.'' Hughes has called for Hibs fans to be patient with the pressure mounting after successive 1-1 draws saw the winless home run extended to nine, while they were knocked out of the Co-operative Insurance Cup with defeat at Kilmarnock on Wednesday. They have four wins from the last 26 in all competitions, but Hughes maintains the woeful run can be turned around, with his ultimate aim of challenging the Old Firm. The former Celtic player said: "I want to turn Hibs into a Celtic or a Rangers because the philosophy and the mentality of those clubs is win, win, win, win. I've not got that at this moment in time, that's what I'm working towards. It has to come from within the dressing room, they have to create that winning mentality. We can only guide them and set standards.'' Hughes and Hibs have been the subject of booing following their last three games. There were suggestions of a dressing room fall-out following the loss at Rugby Park and Hughes hopes his squad can turn the negative news into positive performances. He went on: "It's galvanising the boys and it's starting to create that siege mentality - if that's the case I'm right there with them.'' Hughes may have to play without Sol Bamba after the defender picked up a groin injury at Kilmarnock wheel Ian Murray (hip/groin), Darryl Duffy (metatarsal), Merouane Zemmama (knee) and goalkeeper Graham Stack (back) all remain out. Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba net)Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba net)This is ScottishFitba Net
