David Gray has told his players to use the momentum of Josh Mulligan’s late goal at Easter Road to beat Legia Warsaw on Thursday night.
The squad travel to Poland knowing they have work to do, currently 2-1 behind going into the second leg of the tie which is a new situation for Gray’s men who are experiencing being behind in a European qualifier for the first time this campaign.
That hasn’t changed the mindset of Hibs Head Coach though, who has delivered a very clear message to his squad.
“Our approach doesn’t change because you want to try and win every game of football,” said Gray when speaking to Hibs TV.
“The scoreline after one leg isn’t what we want it to be, but I said after the game that the goal to make it 2-1 is a big goal. We want to use the momentum from that.
“We know if we go over there and win the game, then we’ve got a right good chance of getting through to the next round. The players are well aware of that.
“It’s 90 minutes of football to get us into something we’ve not done before as a football club.”
Hibs have started each European tie on the front foot, something that Gray wants to see again from his players, but what importance does he put on the first goal?
“If we were to get the first goal then it’s hugely important because it puts you back on that even keel, it gives you momentum, and could have an effect on the home crowd.
“It might not work that way, so if we lose the first goal, what does that mean? My mindset and what I’ve said to the players is, we need to win in 90 minutes, and we need to score at least two goals. That’s the focus for the players.
“The mindset is we’re 90 minutes away from achieving our aim. We need to take confidence from the first leg, believe in ourselves, and give us the best possible chance of getting into the next round.”
After being allowed by the SPFL to postpone their scheduled league game against Falkirk, Gray and his coaching staff have had a full week to prepare for the second-leg. He admitted how helpful that has been.
“It’s been really beneficial because the players have been through a really tough schedule. It’s allowed us to get some physical and mental freshness into the players.
“It gave us an opportunity as coaches and staff to properly analyse the last game, looking at what went well and areas we think we can improve in. It’s been really beneficial that we didn’t have any distractions.
“It’s allowed us to get extra work into some players, and given us extra tactical time on the grass. But like I said the biggest thing is giving players the mental freshness.”
