Mixu Paatelainen: I'll wield the axe on disappointing Hibs side

Jul 13 2008 By Scott Mcdermott In Sweden

SEETHING Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen watched his sloppy stars crash out of Europe yesterday then warned them FOUR new faces will be coming in to fight for their jerseys.

Paatelainen accused certain players of being lazy and "switching off" during the 2-0 Intertoto Cup defeat by Elfsborg in Boras. The Swedes won 4-0 on aggregate and Paatelainen admitted afterwards he needs new players in every area before the SPL gets under way.

He said: "We realise we need to strengthen, there's no question about that. We're working hard because I need four players - one for every area of the pitch.

"We're getting closer and hopefully we'll get them here soon. We had a couple of chances to score but our passing was really poor at times.

"From middle to front if you give the ball away like that you have no chance.

"It's all down to poor concentration. The boys were too eager to get the first goal.

"Before you do that you have to keep the ball under control and create chances. They tried but we have a long way to go.

"We lack a willingness to defend as a team and don't take care of our passes enough.

"Some players switch off and don't do their jobs.

When that happens it's difficult to get a real team performance."

Paatelainen is still adamant the decision to enter the Intertoto Cup was the right one.

But the two defeats will have hurt the Hibees squad who were clearly well behind the Swedes in terms of fitness.

The big Finn said: "I'm convinced this experience will help when the SPL starts - that's the reason we entered the Intertoto.

"We wanted competitive games and got them.

The luck of the draw wasn't on our side but it was a fantastic chance to test ourselves against a top side like Elfsborg.

"They played really well over the two games and worked as a team. It was a superb display by them and we'll learn a lot from it.

For some of our boys it was an eye-opener.

"Now some of the youngsters will realise there is quality football getting played in countries like this.

"We'll go home and analyse the game, look at our mistakes and try to take positives from it."

Elfsborg boss Magnus Haglund (below) also believes Hibs will reap the benefit from these games when the SPL starts.

He said: "I'm convinced they'll have a good season because they have a good coach and many qualities.

"Hibs have some great players and I wish them and Mixu good luck.

"They can qualify for the UEFA Cup next season through the league.

"You must remember they're just three weeks into pre-season.

"It's tough to perform when you're at that level, almost impossible.

"It was a good thing for us to play them now. We had a 2-0 lead from last week's tie and that let us control the second leg.

"But when the SPL starts on August 9, Hibs will be much better and I'm sure they will have a good season."