Mixu: If I panic, we'll lose hope

Easter Road boss Paatelainen has come under increasing pressure after masterminding just one win in his side's last nine games.Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Scottish Premier League basement club Inverness - a performance Paatelainen branded the poorest of his 13-month tenure - saw Hibs slip out of the top six.Already eliminated from both domestic cup competitions, their season is in danger of unravelling completely and failure to secure a top-half spot before the SPL splits in April could have dire consequences for the Finn.Paatelainen told Hibernian Interactive: "We are simply not playing as well as I think we should and we have not done that all season."In patches we have, in some games we have, but not consistently. I will just keep going - I know what to do, how we can improve and we will keep working at that."If I panic then there is no hope, nothing will happen - if I keep my head down and be even more determined to work even harder to improve then we have a chance."The players realise that, the attitude from players this week in training has been good, and so on Saturday we want to see a Hibernian team out there who pull together, work at everything in defence and attack and hopefully win the match."Saturday's game sees Falkirk visit Easter Road looking to get their survival bid back on track following last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Hamilton.The Bairns now lie just a point above Inverness, who are in their best form of the season, while Falkirk have won only one of their last 12 SPL games.Paatelainen said: "Inverness are coming up like a train, while Falkirk have had a couple of disappointing results. I know that both managers' would like to be playing in this game!"He added: "I expect from Falkirk on Saturday pretty much what I'm expecting from my own players - they need a reaction and they will be fired up."We need tough characters who are confident, look to get on the ball and to pass it. They must realise that they can make a mistake as long as the effort is there, as long as the desire is there."Paatelainen urged Hibs fans to get behind the team, saying: "The last thing the players need is negativity from the stands because that drains confidence and the players would not perform to the best of their abilities under such circumstances."Some might - some tough guys might just turn it into a determination to show people - but I know the majority would not."So it is very important that the players out on the pitch, the coaching staff, the supporters - everyone is together, determined to work for each other - supporters supporting and everyone uniting and creating a positivity and determination."There will be mistakes, but let's encourage those who make a mistake and be positive. We need to have a positive approach and get everyone together, and really concentrate on a determined effort and have a real go."

Source: Team_Talk