Hibs’ on-loan winger Thomas Agyepong praised the contribution of the supporters who spurred the team onto an important victory over on-form Kilmarnock on Saturday.
The Ghanian international also revealed that Manchester City are monitoring his spell in Scotland, both on and off the pitch and he is hoping that his performances will impress City manager Pep Guardiola.
He certainly impressed the Hibs’ fans who were on their feel whenever the youngster received the ball after coming off the bench to replace Martin Boyle at half time, and he was unlucky not to score after being set up by Florian Kamberi inside the area but his shot was blocked.
Agyepong had been warned about the physical aspect of the game in Scotland which he witnessed at first hand two-weeks ago against Livingston but Saturday’s game saw both teams concentrate on skilful attacking football and the winger described the quality as ‘amazing’
Speaking after the final whistle, Agyepong said: “When I played in Holland, the fans were the same. It gives you a good feeling to drive on because we were drawing and we had to win the game. You have to drive forward and make something happen. That’s what attacking players should be doing.”
“I am in constant contact with Manchester City who call me after the game to give me feedback on how I played and things I need to improve on. I have people who are in contact about analysis also.
“Sometimes they are at the training ground to see how things are going and how I am enjoying it.
To get my first 45-minutes under my belt is good. It was a good win, the quality of the football was amazing.
The manager told us to keep passing it and open-up at the right time and that’s how we would hurt them. He told us to be patient on the ball.
“We knew what was at stake and I knew that I had to contribute to help us do that. The manager also told me that I have to do my job defensively as well, it’s not just about attacking. Football is different now, you have to track back and help your full-backs as well.
“The style of play comes down to the manager’s decisions. Pep is different, and Neil Lennon is different.
“Managers have their own philosophy, and every manager plays a different system but at the end of the day football is football.
“It’s about getting the ball and playing the way you think is better.
“When I’m attacking people double up on me so I know I need to help out as well.
“Work rate is important, winning games doesn’t come easy. You have to want it more than the opponents.
“I was told that Scottish football was more physical and when we played Livingston it was a different ball game compared to today. I know at home we could pass the ball well as the pitch is good.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
