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.They initially responded well, winning at Celtic and beating St Mirren to move to within striking distance of second spot.But they have taken just two points from their last five games to surrender third to Dundee United.Hughes told Hibernian TV: "It is disappointing to have dropped points in the last couple of weeks."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."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."I can see a little bit of that in Liam Miller's game, where he is trying just a bit too hard in places."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."But I can't give them any excuses."A reporter asked me the other day if our bubble had burst."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."It's just about getting the balance right and finding the wins again."Hughes also backed Derek Riordan to come good.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."In terms of technique and finishing, Derek Riordan is the best at this club," Hughes said."On Saturday I felt he worked harder than he has ever done, and I'll tell you why."It's because we keep saying, 'Derek you need to do this, you need to do a lot of things off the ball'."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."

Source: Team_Talk