David Gray labelled Hibs’ embarrassing Conference League defeat to Malisheva as ‘unacceptable’. But after crashing to a 2-0 loss to the Kosovans in front of 250 away fans, Gray is adamant that they can salvage the tie.
Another Euro setback for Hibs
It was another Euro howler for Hibs three years on from a first leg defeat to Andorran part-timers Inter Club d’Escalde in the same competition. Kreshnik Uka put the home team, who were playing in a stadium an hour’s drive away from their own ground, before Valmir Nafiu slammed in another in the 90th minute.
Easter Road gaffer Gray admits the only crumb of comfort on a difficult night is that they can still turn it around next Thursday in the home clash.
Gray's reaction
He said: “It’s very, very simple to put that into words, which is way below the requirement and the expectation of this football team. I know that. That’s a reflection on myself, my team. We know we were way below where we needed to be. I’m not going to stand here and make excuses at all - that was obviously nowhere near good enough.
“The only positive, if there is anything to come out of today, is the fact it’s happened in the first leg and there is still an opportunity to turn this round. And I do believe we are good enough to do it. From what I’ve seen today - I could talk about moments and situations in the game but they’d just be excuses.
“The fans are certainly not going to want to hear this in terms of apologies but for the players, myself, the reflection of what we’ve delivered today, for the supporters that have spent the money to come and support their team in Europe, we know that’s unacceptable and nowhere near the level required.”
Chances and confidence
On loan Stoke striker Nathan Lowe wasted two good chances to level before Malisheva doubled their lead at the death. Owen Elding also had an effort cleared off the line early doors while Hibs’ defending for both goals was questionable.
Given the chances his team created, Gray is confident they can peg Malisheva back. He added: “I wasn’t shocked or surprised by anything I’ve seen from the opposition. It’s very hard to win games of football when there’s so many of us not at the level required. The only thing I would say is I still firmly believe in the group.
“It’s my responsibility to make sure the team are right and ready for next week. The fans as you’d expect will be frustrated now, angry, everything that comes with that, and rightly so. As I’ve already said, there is a responsibility and an expectation when you represent this football club, I know that more than anyone. I’ve been here for 12 years now, the fans have been incredible, they’ve travelled the game in their numbers with real hope and expectation, and we’ve let them down today.”
