Hughes laments passing deficiency

John Hughes felt Hibernian had been taught a lesson in passing the ball from Maribor after a 3-0 loss left their Europa League hopes in ruins. Hibs struggled to match the Slovenian side on a slick, wet surface at the Ljudski Stadium on Thursday night and found themselves three down before boss Hughes brought on danger men Anthony Stokes and Derek Riordan.Josip Ilicic blasted home the only goal of the first half of the third qualifying round first leg before brilliantly chipping Graham Stack early in the second half.Marcos Tavares curled home a third on the hour mark after Hibs were again caught out at the back.Hughes had claimed in the build-up that his side's passing game was suited to European football but his players failed to match the sharpness of their opponents."Maribor played the ball quicker than us," Hughes said."They are a good team, very sharp and quick. We played a competitive game but they outpaced us."We have to pass with purpose, not just for the sake of passing it."We need to pass a bit better and a bit quicker."David Wotherspoon appeared to be fouled in the build-up to the second goal but Hughes felt his team had been the cause of their own downfall."The second and third goals came about through bad ball retention," the former Falkirk boss said."But they are a very good side, very sharp. They know what they are doing."After the third goal they were dangerous on the counter-attack."Hughes added: "It will be very difficult in the second leg, but you never know what can happen."

Source: Team_Talk