Hibs Archives - Page 2 of 11

Hibs 2-3 Gent: Coefficient Takes Another Beating as Hibs Crash Out

As Hibs were looking likely to progress, two late goals by the Belgian side ended the Hibees’ European dream. Gent had the first chance after just four minutes — a cross into the box saw Gent find the net, but the goal didn’t stand following a foul on Sallinger. Moments later, Boyle had a chance from inside the box, but a brilliant deflection denied Hibs the opener. A sloppy error in the middle of the park by Chaiwa allowed the Belgian side to get an attack going. Gent were unable to get the ball into the box, which was blocked and out for a corner, but Gent were unable to make anything of it. Twenty-three minutes in, Gent almost had a chance, but multiple players all collided at once, which saw off any potential chance for the visitors. Lowe had a chance for the Hibees on 27 minutes, striking with his weaker foot, but ultimately smashing well over the target, as both sides continued to battle for an opener. Gent shortly had a chance, an attempt from just inside the box, but it was a simple catch for the Hibernian number one. Vergara had a big chance on 36 minutes — a cross into the box found the head of the Gent striker, but the header was straight into the gloves of Sallinger, which was a simple catch for the Hibs number one. The Belgian side went ahead on 39 minutes. A low cross into the box found Vergara, who took a nice touch, spun around with brilliant control, and struck a composed effort into the bottom left-hand corner, as the Hibees trailed in the tie. Hibs moments later had a chance, as Boyle, on the left-hand side, cut onto his right and fired a strike towards goal, but Roef did well to deny the equaliser. As half-time was blown, performance-wise it wasn’t a bad half for Hibs, but it was the Belgian side who took their chance when it came, whereas Hibs hadn’t tested Roef enough. They would look to salvage an equaliser in the second 45. Into the second period, Hibs quickly responded [as written, this sentence isn’t quite clear — it says the shot “was stopped by Boyle, which fooled the keeper,” then says Boyle reclaimed the ball and scored, which reads as though Boyle stopped his own teammate’s shot. You may want to check whether this should say the shot was saved by the keeper, with Boyle reclaiming the rebound]. After a VAR check, the goal was ruled out following a handball in the build-up by Nathan Lowe. Hibs were level on 56 minutes, as a ball was whipped into the back post by Jamie McGrath, where Jason Kerr was lurking and powerfully headed home to give Hibs a deserved equaliser — Kerr’s first goal for the Edinburgh side. A better second-half display by David Gray’s men, as both sides continued to battle for a winner, with both eager to avoid an additional 30 minutes. Passlack fired the Hibees in front with 13 minutes to spare — a brilliant piece of individual play by the former Dortmund man, who found a low, powerful strike from a tight angle into the bottom left-hand corner, sending the Hibs supporters behind the net into mayhem. Burgess levelled the game up late on, following a corner whipped into the box, where the former Ipswich man smashed the ball into the centre of the net to bring the game to 2-2. Gent delivered a massive blow in stoppage time, as Seck made a goal-bound, darting run and slotted it across goal, where Chaiwa turned it into his own net — a big blow for Hibs. It kept going downhill as Chaiwa was shown red very late on, as Gent looked likely to progress and dump Hibs out. Overall, not good enough by Hibs, as boos rang around the ground, Gent progressed, and Hibs’ European tour came to an end and now it’s just Celtic and Hearts playing European League phase football. Hibernian: Sallinger (6), Obita (5), O’Hora (5), Kerr (7), Passlack (7), Mulligan (8), Chaiwa (4), Mayor (7), McGrath(8), Boyle (8), Lowe (6). Substitutes: Suto(6), Wright (6), Megwa (6). KAA Gent: Roef (7), Ngom (7), Burgess (8), van der Heyden (7), Araujo (8), Delorge (8), De Vlieger (7), Volckaert (6), Kadri (7), Sonko (7), Vergara (8). Substitutes: Seck(6), Wilson (7), Cisse (6), Lopes (6), Benes (6).

August 27, 2026

History looms in Leith: Hibernian v KAA Gent match preview

Hibernian could seal European league phase football for the first time in their history as they host KAA Gent in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League Play-offs tomorrow night. David Gray’s side earned a 0-0 draw in Belgium last week, setting up a winner-takes-all clash in Edinburgh with European football until December on the line. Despite a draw on the road being perceived as a positive result, it could’ve been better for Hibs with Owen Elding missing a first-half penalty. Hibs could be without the Irishman as David Gray alluded to an injury, he said: “We have had a couple of niggles from the game that maybe we didn’t quite see at the time. A couple have missed a bit of training this week. Owen Elding missed a bit of training this week. We’ll just see how he goes between now and Thursday. We’ll give him every chance as you’d expect but he’s definitely picked up something in the game. We’ll just see if he comes through. Apart from that though, everybody else seems to be going in the right direction, the only definite one out is Rocky Bushiri, he’s a long-term injury.” Hibs made it to the same stage of the competition last season before crashing out in dramatic fashion to Legia Warsaw in Poland, but their position heading into the second leg is greater this time. Speaking about his side’s chances in a pre-match press conference, David Gray said: “I think a lot’s been made of it in the last week and it’s purely because we’ve given ourselves that opportunity. Because it is leg two now, because we went over there and gave such a good account of ourselves against a real good opponent, and all you can ask is for the tie to still be alive coming back to Easter Road. We’ve certainly done that. “The players have earned the right to go and have a real go and it is that cup final mentality and attitude going into the game. We need to try and use the home advantage to our advantage I think, with that. Because very rarely do you have a cup final sort of atmosphere at home, in your own stadium, so I think the players have certainly earned the right to go and do it. We should all be looking forward to it. This is one of the biggest games the club have had since I’ve been here in terms of what’s at stake for the football club, the rewards and the benefits that the players, the club and the ownership deserve off the back of what we’ve been doing for the last couple of seasons. “I think that since I’ve been at the club, I speak about it all the time, you want to play at the highest level possible. It is a big club that’s used to playing big games, and when you’re trying to bring players to the football club, it is trying to sell the ambition of going and playing in Europe. It is a genuine opportunity to go and do that. It requires a lot of work to go Thursday, Sunday, Thursday, Sunday if we’re able to do that, so you need your squad to be strong enough to go and deal with that. It should be something the players relish, testing yourself against the best teams in Europe in different styles, and different ways of playing.” Hibs failed to win any of their European home games last season, but have won both so far this time out, rescuing their 2-0 embarrassment in Kosovo with a 4-1 win over KF Malisheva before a Warren O’Hora’s 90th minute goal sealed a 2-1 victory against KF Shkendija, perfectly setting them up for a 0-0 draw in North Macedonia two weeks ago. The match takes place tomorrow night at 20:00 in front of a sold-out Easter Road.

August 26, 2026

Gent 0-0 Hibernian: Hibs hold firm in Belgium to set up huge Easter Road second leg

Hibernian produced a disciplined defensive performance in Belgium to hold Gent to a goalless draw and give themselves a major opportunity in the second leg at Easter Road. Hibernian have given themselves an excellent chance of reaching the Conference League group stage after holding Gent to a 0-0 draw in Belgium. David Gray’s side survived an early spell of pressure before growing into the game and ultimately leaving the Planet Group Arena with a result that could prove hugely valuable. The biggest opportunity of the night fell to Hibs in the 15th minute. Owen Elding stepped up from the penalty spot with the chance to give the visitors the lead, but his effort was saved low to the goalkeeper’s left. It was a huge opportunity missed, but Hibs did not allow the disappointment to affect their performance. Gent continued to look dangerous, with Hibernian having to remain organised and disciplined without the ball. Raphael Sallinger played an important role behind the Hibs defence, while the visitors worked hard to limit Gent’s opportunities. The first half ended goalless and Hibs could take encouragement from the fact they had weathered the hosts’ early pressure. Gray turned to his bench in the second half, introducing Martin Boyle and Jamie McGrath as Hibs looked to add more attacking threat. The game became increasingly tense as both sides searched for an opening, but neither could find the decisive touch. Hibs defended their penalty area impressively during the closing stages, with Gent unable to find a way through. Gray’s players also showed considerable discipline, despite picking up a number of bookings late in the game. The final whistle confirmed a 0-0 draw — a result which leaves the tie perfectly poised heading back to Edinburgh. There will undoubtedly be some frustration at the missed penalty, particularly given the opportunity it represented, but Hibs will be delighted with the overall outcome. They now return to Easter Road knowing that victory will send them into the next stage of the competition. After a long European journey, Hibernian are just 90 minutes away from potentially securing a place in the Conference League group stage. And with home advantage behind them, Gray will believe his side have every chance of finishing the job. Gent 0-0 Hibernian ❌ Owen Elding missed penalty (15′) Second leg: Hibernian v Gent — Thursday, August 27

August 21, 2026

Scottish Clubs UEFA Europa Conference League Play-Off Opponent Watch

As four Scottish representatives gear up to play for a place in Europe’s third tier of competition, let’s take a look at who stands in their way from reaching the league phase for this season. Hibernian vs KAA Gent The Belgian outfit gained a Conference League place by finishing fifth in the Belgian Pro League last season, they entered the competition at the same stage as Hibs, the second qualifying round and after defeating Ukraine’s LNZ Cherkasy 4-2 on penalties after two 0-0 draws over two legs and then winning 2-1 on aggregate against Sweden’s Göteborg they now face Hibs. They also have two wins from two at the start of this season’s Belgian Pro League. A player to look out for is Algerian international Abdelkahar Kadri, the creative midfielder who can pick a defence splitting pass and quickly has defenders on the back foot as he finds teammates in the final third to give them opportunities to score. Hearts vs Rapid Vienna Across Edinburgh, Hearts face Austrian opposition for the second time this season after they faced Sturm Graz in Champions League qualifiers earlier on this season. Rapid Vienna finished fifth in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and got through two rounds of qualifying to get here in quite convincing style. A 9-3 aggregate victory against Andorra’s FC Santa Coloma and a 6-1 aggregate score against Estonia’s Paide Linnameeskond. They also sit top of this season’s Austrian Bundesliga with three wins from three which includes last weekend’s 8-0 thrashing of Grazer AK. The player to look out for here is 31-year-old striker Tonni Adamsen, the Dane scored four at the weekend in the 8-0 win and will look to do more damage to the Hearts backline which has looked fragile in European competition so far. Motherwell vs SC Freiburg The Steelmen have the most mouth-watering tie of any of the Scottish clubs as they face Germany’s Freiburg who were beaten Europa League finalists last season after losing to Aston Villa. They finished seventh in last season’s Bundesliga in Germany to get to this stage and this is their only qualifying tie they face as they automatically got into the play-offs. The new Bundesliga season doesn’t start until the 30th August, however a noticeable pre-season result was a 3-0 win against Crystal Palace last weekend. The player to look out for is Italian international Vincenzo Grifo, the 33-year-old primarily plays left wing but can play centrally and scored seven league goals and five Europa League goals last season, Freiburg have him and various other dangerous players that Motherwell will need to keep an eye on. Rangers vs FK Jablonec Rangers have to contend with Czech side FK Jablonec if they’re to have European football at Ibrox this season. They finished fifth in the Czech First League last season and have won two qualifying ties before this. They sneaked past Croatia’s Varaždin 4-3 on aggregate and then they beat Latvia’s RFS 4-1 on aggregate to set up the tie against the Gers. They currently sit second in the Czech First league with three wins from three as well. A player to look out for is right-back Martin Cedidla, the epitome of an attacking full back has scored three goals this season in seven games and has one assist too. Rangers’ left side will need to be wary of his attacking play in order to protect their weak central defence.

August 20, 2026

Hibs have “earned” European Shootout – Gray

Hibs boss David Gray hailed his side’s achievement in overcoming KF Shkëndija in European qualifying, moving them a step closer to potentially securing group-stage European football for the first time in the club’s history. Thursday’s 0-0 draw was far from a classic, but a crucial 2-1 victory at Easter Road in the first leg, sealed by Warren O’Hora’s dramatic 90th-minute winner, proved enough to set up a play-off tie against Belgian side Gent. Speaking at full time, Gray was quick to praise his team’s resilience. “Don’t underestimate how big an achievement that is against a really good side. “It wasn’t a brilliant game, but bodies on the line and our players stepped up. A really positive win, especially off the back of Sunday. “We found a way to get through and I’m delighted for the players. They thoroughly deserve it. “In the first half there wasn’t much in it. It was a flat game. Our shape was good and we restricted them to very little. “Over the course of the two legs, I don’t think anyone could say we don’t deserve to go through. “The players have earned the right to have another go at the play-offs. “You see the strength of the squad with the players coming off the bench. We’ve had a brilliant start to the season. “The important thing now is to recover the players, cool them down, and they can be proud of what they’ve achieved.” Hibs host Partick Thistle in the second round of the League Cup before welcoming Gent to Easter Road for the first leg of their play-off tie next Thursday.

August 14, 2026

“We Know we’re in a good place” – Gray after Ibrox Victory

Hibs manager David Gray has called on his squad to “stick together” as they look to build on consecutive victories over Rangers at Ibrox. Josh Campbell’s coolly struck penalty and a decisive breakaway winner from Callum Wright secured the Hibees’ first league win of the campaign. The visitors had to weather a storm after Miguel Chaiwa’s unfortunate own goal temporarily brought Rangers level. Despite an inconsistent start to the season that has prompted some sections of the Hibernian support to question Gray’s long-term future, the manager was full of praise for his players’ resilience. Speaking to Premier Sports after the final whistle, Gray particularly highlighted the “brilliant” execution of Wright’s match-winning counterattack. “Rangers put us under severe pressure for the second half; the character was really tested but we made an attacking substitution to try and have that mentality of not just sitting in even with the Rangers pressure. “[The winning goal] was a brilliant moment. I’m delighted for the players because we made a lot of changes and the players that came in did really well, it builds that character. “The type of game suits Josh Mulligan. To a man I think it would be difficult to single anyone out because they were all so good. “I’ve been through adversity at the start. The demands and expectations are always going to be there. The biggest thing is sticking together as a group. Internally we know we’re in a good place, there’s more to come.” Hibs travel to Macedonia for Thursday’s Conference League qualifier, leading Shkendija 2-1 from the first leg at Easter Road.

August 10, 2026

Hearts, Rangers, Motherwell and Hibernian in Europe: European Preview

As four Scottish clubs are on the European stage this evening, let’s take a look at each of the four ties. Benfica v Hearts After Hearts’ 6-0 aggregate defeat at the hands of Sturm Graz, the Edinburgh side have been handed possibly the trickiest tie of the round with a trip to Portugal to face European giants Benfica. The Portuguese side slumped to a 2-1 defeat at St Gallen before coming back to win 5-0 to get through, in order to face Hearts, who, as we know, dropped out of the Champions League. Hearts will most likely be in for a long night if they don’t improve defensively and will have to ensure they don’t concede early doors. Benfica are yet to start their league season, but for Hearts, they started it on the wrong foot, losing 2-1 at Pittodrie against Aberdeen in a game which saw them ahead going into the dying moments. If Hearts do see off Benfica, they will play the winner of Aarhus or Sabah, but defeat will see the Tynecastle outfit face either Rapid Wien or Paide Linnameeskond. Jagiellonia v Rangers The Gers make the trip to Poland as they kick off their European campaign. This is both sides’ first European tie this campaign, as Rangers and Derek McInnes eye up a Europa League spot this season. The Polish side were defeated 5-4 by Italian side Fiorentina in last season’s Conference League, whereas for Rangers, they failed to progress past the league phase of the Europa League. On paper, you’d fancy Rangers tonight, but the game this evening will be far from a breeze. Jagiellonia have already played two games this campaign in the Polish league, winning two from two against both Korona and Motor Lublin, with Rangers, of course, drawing 1-1 at Tannadice last week. If Rangers are to progress, they will face the winner of Larne or Iberia Tbilisi, but should the Gers suffer defeat, they will meet either FC RFS or FK Jablonec. HJK Helsinki v Motherwell The Steelmen are in Europe with a trip to Finland in store. HJK are rather well known on the big stage despite being knocked out of last season’s European campaign with a rather surprising defeat to Bulgarian side Arda Kardzhali on penalties. This is Motherwell’s first season in Europe since 2022, which saw the Steelmen stunned by Sligo Rovers after a 3-0 aggregate defeat. HJK Helsinki came up against fellow Scottish side Aberdeen in 2023, with both meetings ending in draws, in a group that also included PAOK and Frankfurt. The hosts eased past Northern Irish side Coleraine 8-0 on aggregate in the last round, with Motherwell getting past Faroese side HB Tórshavn 5-0 on aggregate, setting up a tasty meeting in Finland. Helsinki have already played 18 games in their league season, as the Finnish side sit fourth with 8 wins, 4 draws, and 6 defeats. For Motherwell, they defeated Hibernian 2-1 in the capital on opening day on Sunday as the Steelmen continue to impress. Should Motherwell progress, they will meet last season’s Europa League finalists, Freiburg. Hibernian v KF Shkëndija The Hibees are back after starting their European campaign in horror with a shock 2-0 defeat away to Malisheva, but made up for it in the second leg with a 4-1 victory at Easter Road. North Macedonian side KF Shkëndija are in town, having defeated Europa FC 6-0 over the course of two legs, as well as defeating NK Bravo in the latest round, to earn them the tie in Leith. The visitors have also met fellow Scottish side Aberdeen before, back in 2015, where the Dons were held to a goalless draw in the Granite City, but Aberdeen drew 1-1 away from home as they progressed via the away goals rule, which, of course, no longer exists. Hibs started their season off on the wrong foot, with a 2-1 defeat against Motherwell, but for the visitors, they began their league season with three points, defeating FK Skopje 3-0 on the opening day. Should David Gray’s men progress, they will meet the winner of IFK Göteborg or KAA Gent in the Play-Off Round.

August 6, 2026

Ex-Premiership midfielder seals Japanese move

Former Celtic, Kilmarnock, Ross County and Hibernian midfielder Jackson Irvine has completed a move to J-League side Cerezo Osaka from Bundesliga outfit St. Pauli. Irvine, who has represented Scotland at youth level spent five years in Germany after departing Hibernian in 2021, captaining St. Pauli in their return to the Bundesliga in 2024. The midfielder has 86 caps for Australia, including playing at the last three World Cups. The midfielder began his senior career at Celtic and spent the 2013-14 season on loan at Kilmarnock. He’d then move north to Ross County on loan, before making the move permanent a year later. Irvine would win the League Cup in 2016 and move to England that same year. Contractual disputes amid COVID saw Irvine return to Scotland with Hibernian, spending half a season in Edinburgh as Jack Ross’ side finished third. Upon completing his move, Irvine said: “I’m incredibly excited to be coming to the hottest football nation in the world and joining a new league and a club with huge potential. I hope I can use my experience and quality to help the team become even better. I’m also looking forward to experiencing a new culture and a new way of life. Let’s achieve success together!” On the official Bundesliga website, the St. Pauli director of sport, Andreas Bornemann said: “After returning from the World Cup, Jackson approached us with the request to move to Japan. “We thank ‘Jacko’ for his dedication over the past few years and wish him and his family all the best for the future.” It remains uncertain how long Irvine’s contract in Osaka lasts, but at 33-years-old, he could be expected to wind his career down in Japan.

August 5, 2026

‘Naivety cost us’ – Gray reacts to Hibs’ 2-1 defeat to Motherwell

David Gray says he feels frustrated and disappointed after Hibs were defeated 2-1 by Motherwell on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership campaign. Austrian midfielder Lukas Fadinger gave Motherwell the lead from the penalty spot in the 40th minute before Martin Boyle levelled for Hibs in the 56th minute, converting from the same penalty spot. Despite plenty of pressure from Hibs as they tried to find a winner, it was Alfred Johansson’s side who took all three points after a quick counter-attack was finished by Ibrahim Said in the 85th minute, sending the 2,000 away supporters into a frenzy. After a frustrating end to the game, Gray spoke to Hibs TV after the match. “I think the immediate feeling is real disappointment and frustration because of the manner in which we ended up losing the game. I believe, especially with the way the second half went, we should have come away with three points. If not three points, then at least a point. “The goal we conceded sums it up. It was real naivety, and that’s what cost us the game. “Even in the first half, giving away the penalty was poor. Looking at the balance of play, I thought we had the better moments in the first half without creating any real clear-cut chances. “I thought we restricted Motherwell well, and apart from the penalty, they offered very little. The penalty came from poor decision-making, which can happen in games. “I thought we were much better in the second half in terms of the intensity to get after Motherwell. I certainly got that reaction at half-time, and I thought we were miles better. “We got back to 1-1, and I thought there was only one team that was going to go on and win the game. “I can’t fault the players for their effort, intensity or intent to go and win the game. “I thought the substitutions helped us attack and showed we were trying to do that, especially at home when it went to 1-1. We wanted to make sure we were the team in the ascendancy, and I think the stats will show that as well. “The only stat that really matters is the one at the end. We lost the game 2-1 through, I’m going to use the word again, naivety.” The Hibs boss refused to blame individuals who had contributed to losing the ball in the lead-up to Motherwell’s second goal, before insisting that his side were the better team throughout the 90 minutes and deserved to win the game. “That’s not just aimed at any individual who gave the ball away. Yes, losing it in that area was poor, but it’s also about the opportunities and decision-making after that to make sure the ball doesn’t end up in your goal. “That could be making sure the game stops immediately or delaying the attack for as long as possible. I thought our defending in that situation cost us the game today. “It’s really tough to take because we wanted to start the season on the front foot and positively. “I thought we were the better side across the piece and deserved to win the game. Unfortunately, we’re standing here with zero points and that’s what makes it really tough to take.” Gray is hoping his players can bounce back from their opening-day defeat at the earliest opportunity, while underlining the importance of Thursday night’s European match at Easter Road. “The positive is that we’ve got a good chance to go again on Thursday. “It’s my job to pick the players up because they’ve put a lot into that performance. As I said, they deserved to win the game, or at least get a point from it. “There are a lot of positives to take and a lot for me to analyse, but we need to pick ourselves up because it’s another huge game here on Thursday night. “It’s different playing the first leg at home rather than away. We’ve picked up a few bumps and bruises, so we need to make sure the players recover quickly. “The games come around very quickly – we know what’s coming, and we need to make sure we bounce back as quickly as we can.” Hibs face North Macedonian side KF Shkëndija in the UEFA Conference League third qualifying round on Thursday evening.

August 2, 2026

Two European contenders go head-to-head on opening day: Hibernian v Motherwell match preview

Hibernian host Motherwell in the penultimate match of the Premiership’s opening weekend. Both sides come into the match on the back of European wins on Thursday. Hibs overturned their 2-0 loss to KF Malisheva of Kosovo with a 4-1 dismantlement at Easter Road. Motherwell made good on their 2-0 home win against Havnar Boltfelag by winning 3-0 in The Faroe Islands. Motherwell will enter the campaign full of hope after last season’s revelation under Jens Berthel Askou, but it’s also a new era in Lanarkshire after Askou departed for Toulouse, being replaced by Swedish manager Alfred Johansson. They’re also without many stars from last season such as Elijah Just, Stephen Welsh, Eliot Watt & Callum Slattery. As for Hibernian, last season was a rather underwhelming one as David Gray’s side finished 5th. The 2-0 loss in Pristina raised many fan’s eyebrows around his future. It’s unsure whether Thursday’s redemption was a routine home win for Hibernian, or paper over the cracks. Coming into the match, David Gray said: “We’re certainly going into the game in a real positive frame of mind. “It’s a big effort required again against Motherwell, but I’ll go back to what I said going into the first leg (against KF Malisheva), which was I’m really happy with how pre-season went, really happy with the physicality of the players. “We picked up a few knocks and niggles, which is a bit frustrating, but they’re getting closer now as well, so it is again much more positive. “But you can’t rest on that, and we need to keep moving forward, and we’ve got an opportunity at home against a team that’s progressed in Europe as well. “You want your Scottish clubs to do well, so I was delighted for them (Motherwell). I think that is important. They’ve started well again. “They’ve got a new manager, and they’ll be a different test slightly, but at the same time I think they’re playing quite a similar way, and we know it will be a difficult test. “We want to try and do it right. It’s a team that we never beat last season but we’ve got an opportunity in the first game of the season to try and do that.” The loss in Kosovo made many question Hibs’ consistency, when Gray was asked about this, he said: “I think it’s all about consistency for us. I think we’ve demonstrated that in spells last season. “I know we went right to the very last game, and if we had won the last game of the season, we would have finished fourth. “At times we were probably a wee bit frustrated at times last season because I do believe when we put the complete performance in, we’re a very good side, and we showed that with the European stuff. “We showed that when we won at Celtic Park, we also won at Ibrox. “We’ve added well to the squad this season, but so have every team. I fully expect a real tough season, a real competitive season again. “This is my third season, so I’ve spoken a lot about that freshness and trying to get new ideas into the players because I don’t want them to become comfortable. I’m certainly not comfortable. “We need to keep pushing forward, but certainly be real and consistent in the last two seasons, where we’ve achieved back-to-back European qualifications. “The question is can we go and do that for the third season? It may be harder this year with the fact that you might have to finish fourth or win a trophy, so that’s the challenge for the players and the challenge for myself.” Ahead of his first-ever Scottish Premiership match, Johansson was asked if Motherwell fans can expect more of the same from last season, he said: “I think so, we’ll have to see. One of my targets, or our main targets is to consolidate the style of play from last year in a moment of change, when there’s changes in the squad. “Obviously I am not the same person and the same manager as the previous one, so with a new manager and new players, there will be slight differences in the expression of the team, but the target is to consolidate the style of play.” Much of his press conference revolved around their Conference League matchup with HJK Helsinki, but Johansson maintained that his side are fully focussed on today’s clash in Leith. He said: “I always have a really narrow focus, a really short-term focus in terms of performance, so it’s the game against Hibs on Sunday which is the biggest target of the season for now.” The two sides met four times last season, Motherwell won twice and earned a draw on the remaining two occasions. The sides last met during last season’s dramatic final day as Lukas Fadinger earned 10-man Motherwell a 1-0 win. That result should fill Motherwell with confidence as it was the first time a non-Old Firm team won at Easter Road since November 2024.

August 2, 2026