Marink Reedijk's first match as Hibernian head coach ended in a 1-0 defeat at Tannadice, with the Dutchman left frustrated that 2,500 travelling fans went home disappointed.
The young Dutch manager took charge of the Easter Road side for the first time but saw his men slump to defeat against Dundee United. The Hibees started promisingly but fell behind 10 minutes before the break when Daniel Bennie netted for the Tangerines.
Reedijk's frustration after narrow loss
Despite throwing on substitutes after the break in a bid to save the game, Reedijk saw his side draw a blank. They finished up with 10 men when Jacob Devaney was sent off for a last-man foul on Neil Farrugia.
Reedijk, who replaced David Gray at the helm, said: “The most frustrating thing is that 2500 people came all the way from Edinburgh and we were not able to give them what I hoped to do. That is what it is but there’s work to do here.”
Lack of cutting edge proves costly
Hibs created plenty of chances in an open game but Reedijk admitted a lack of a real cutting edge cost them dearly. He said: “It’s imprecision and indecisiveness towards the final third [of the pitch], I think that’s key.
“We lose a few times sloppy balls where they can counter-attack us. But these are just normal balls we normally give in the right direction, in the right pace, at the right player. Then the doubt starts into the team.
“We started off well, tried our best to create something. We created some bits and bobs but then these moments decide the match. Then also little moments, details in terms of defending, in terms of their goal, that is something we should and need to avoid.”
Red card decision stands
Referee Don Robertson initially awarded a penalty and a yellow card for Devaney’s foul on Farrugia five minutes from time. But VAR then showed the challenge had taken place just outside the box, which meant Hibs avoided a spot-kick but had the Irishman sent packing.
Reedijk added: “The referees are the boss and if he decides to do this [red card for Devaney], then that is his decision. I have to focus on Hibernian at this moment in time and not on the referee decisions.”
