Hibs set to park Conference League 'heartbreak' as new objectives set and player backed after costly moment
One Hibs star has been reacting to a tough night in Europe for the club.
Jordan Obita says Hibs will quickly focus on domestic objectives after more Conference League play-off pain.
A year on from losing to Legia Warsaw in extra time while standing minutes away from the league phase, David Gray’s side conceded twice in the closing stages to lose 3-2 on aggregate against Gent on Thursday. Attentions turn to Sunday’s Premiership match at Dundee with a third placed finish in the league needed to get back into Europe amid Scotland’s dwindling coefficient score.
Defender Obita played in both the Legia and Gent matches with an admission that duties at home must now become their primary focus. He said: “I don’t think there was too much between the teams in the two games. We pushed a really good Belgian team to their limits and in the second half I felt we looked like the one team which was going to go on to win it.
Hibs on defeat vs Gent
“Two moments just killed it for us. When you play against top teams in top competitions, if you switch off once it’s going to be a goal because you’ll be punished. It’s heartbreaking again, we’re winning in the game then conceding two goals in the last five or ten minutes really hurts. We started the second half really quickly, scored two goals to turn it around so to then concede late on just isn’t a good feeling.
“This time and last season was the same thing, it’s just disappointing we’re not the ones through. But we can’t dwell too much on it, we have a game in the league to focus on and we have to try to get the three points there. Right now, it’s heartbreaking because we wanted to become the first Hibs team to make the league phase of a competition.
“But we have a quick turnaround and we have to make sure we get a positive result on Sunday. Dundee is a difficult place to go, it’s a smaller pitch and they have had a good start to the season. They are a physical team so we expect a tough game. But with the quality of our team, our attackers, I feel we can create chances and score there. We can have a good time. We want to climb the table. We have so much to play for, we’ve got the league, we want to try to get to Hampden in the cup. We can be successful this season.”
Miguel Chaiwa backed after own goal dismay
Miguel Chaiwa scored the own goal that sent Gent through and was also shown a second booking before full-time. Obita added: “These things happen. Miguel is a very good player, he’s tried to tackle the guy at the end and unfortunately it’s gone in the goal. He’s a very good player, important for us so I’m sure he will be fine by the weekend. He’s the kind of character to get over it plus we have a good team, we will get round him after a problem like that.
“The lads who have come in are really good, and those who have been here for a while - everyone is on the same page. It’s very easy for players to settle in here, you can tell that on the pitch. The morale is very good and we’ll switch our focus onto Sunday now because it’s a chance to kick-start our season again. “