Hibernian’s David Gray Urges Team to Stay Patient in Warsaw Clash

Hibernian manager David Gray has reminded his team that they have ample time to turn around their tie against Legia Warsaw in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Following their 2-1 defeat in the first leg at Easter Road, Gray emphasized the importance of patience as they prepare for the return match in Poland.

In the first leg, Hibernian benefited from an 86th-minute strike from Josh Mulligan, which provided a crucial lifeline for the team. As they gear up for the second leg, Gray highlighted the need for a strong start but also warned against overly aggressive tactics. “You always want to start every game well, regardless of what the actual scoreline is or the state of the tie,” he stated.

Gray acknowledged the challenge posed by Legia Warsaw, recognizing them as a formidable opponent. “We are one goal down with 90 minutes minimum of football to be played, so it doesn’t need to be gung-ho, really stretched, being really expansive and exposed,” he added. The Hibs coach noted that the team must respect the quality of the opposition, which he described as “very good.”

He expressed confidence that the players are eager for the match, saying, “It’s a challenge that the players are all looking forward to. And as a coach, I’m looking forward to it as well.” Gray underlined that the game is not lost, emphasizing that Hibernian only needs two goals to win the match and progress. “If we lose the first goal in the game, for example, and there’s a bit of adversity, nothing really changes from that point of view,” he explained.

The importance of momentum in football cannot be understated, according to Gray. He reflected on the significance of Mulligan’s goal, which keeps the tie alive and provides Hibernian with hope heading into the second leg. “That goal for us at Easter Road, in 80-plus minutes, makes us only one goal behind and really keeps the tie alive. So it certainly is all to play for,” he remarked.

In preparation for the match, Gray has welcomed the opportunity provided by a new Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) policy, which allowed Hibernian a free weekend to focus on strategy and recovery. “You just want to go play a game, don’t you? The players will be waiting and counting down the time until Thursday,” he said, referring to the upcoming match date.

From a coaching perspective, Gray emphasized the importance of rest and analysis. He intends to review their previous performance to identify areas for improvement. “What went well, what we need to do to give us the best chance to go over there and get into group stage football,” he noted.

The upcoming match is a significant opportunity for Hibernian, and Gray remains optimistic. “There is everything to play for and still a lot of football to be played in this tie,” he concluded, as the team prepares to head to Poland for their crucial clash.