Exclusive:Hibs signing special quality hailed as former Jurgen Klopp favourite proving value for Euro hopefuls
Focus on Felix Passlack as ex-Borussia Dortmund prospect hits ground running
Hibs boss David Gray has revealed the unseen quality that prompted the Easter Road club to move for one of their most impactful January signings. And Gray explained the need for variety in the transfer market, as he hailed the influence of former Borussia Dortmund wunderkind Felix Passlack on his new team.
The 27-year-old wingback was one of half a dozen mid-season arrivals – and one of three to arrive on Deadline Day – as Hibs reinforced their squad. The former Jurgen Klopp favourite, signed from Bundesliga II side VfL Bochum, also has spells with Norwich, Hoffenheim and Fortuna Sittard on his CV.
Passlack brings wealth of experience to squad
And that breadth of experience, Gray revealed, was one of the reasons why he went back in for a player who had first been mooted as a potential signing last summer, the gaffer explaining: “He had been on the radar for a while. And then throughout the whole of the transfer window, it took right to the end to get it done. And there's different reasons for that.
“But he was certainly one that was flagged up very early on. And someone I've obviously been very happy with him since he's come in.
“I think he's settled in really well. I think that is the challenge when you're bringing players to the club.
“When you sign some younger ones, sometimes you know there's going to be an element of bedding in. Or a little bit of inconsistency at times.
“Whereas someone like Felix, when you bring in a player that's played at the level he has for as long as he has, there’s more certainty. That’s an important factor.
“He's also been in England before as well. He was at Norwich City down south for a spell.
“So you need these players like that, if you are going to bring them to the club, to be able to hit the ground running. And you're not trying to teach them the whole game, so to speak.
“They've already played a big chunk of it and they'll adapt to what they need to do. And adapt to what you're telling them to do.
“You know that they're going to hit the ground running. You never ever know for sure - but I think it mitigates the risk when you're bringing in players like that.
“And you certainly need that within your squad. A core of players who know what it takes to play and perform at that level consistently, because they have the experience of doing it throughout their careers.”
Celtic Park goal a stand-out moment for German
Passlack has contributed two goals, including the opener in a historic away win over Celtic, and an assist in his nine starts with Hibs to date. An attack-minded former winger who is under instruction to get forward from wingback in a 3-4-1-2 shape, he has impressed coaching staff with his ability to take on board information quickly – and understand the needs of his new team.
“With all signings, obviously you want them to settle in quickly,” said Gray, the former fullback adding: “You know that the younger ones can sometimes take time, depending on where they’ve played, to adapt to the different demands.
“It’s easy to say it now, but I was confident that someone like Felix would settle quickly. The grounding he’s had means he has that understanding of the game, that he knows what we’re asking him to do, and that he’s more likely to bed in quickly.
“That was why, when we were recruiting in January, we didn’t just go for young players. Yes, Owen Elding came in and he’s probably exceeded expectations a bit – but we knew what a talent he was.
“It was important, if we were bringing in young players, that we also brought in guys like Felix and Ante Suto, who is also that bit more mature and experienced. Players who had different experiences to bring to the group.”
Hibs need a full starting line-up, at least, of in-form players if they’re to overtake Motherwell and secure guaranteed European football for a second straight season – something the club hasn’t achieved for 50 years. Currently three points adrift of the Steelmen, who also boast superior goal difference, Gray’s men face Motherwell at Easter Road on the final day of the Scottish Premiership season.
The onus is on Hibs, then, to at least keep pace with Jens Berthel Askou’s much-admired side. The final Edinburgh derby of the season is first up on the post-split fixture list, followed by Celtic at home, then Falkirk and Rangers away before that potential final-day Euro showdown.