In the aftermath of a disappointing derby defeat, Hibernian head coach David Gray has stepped forward to accept responsibility for his team's 3-1 loss to rivals Hearts on Thursday night. This defeat marks a troubling trend for Hibs, as it is the first time since 2012 that they have lost three consecutive derby matches, raising concerns among fans and stakeholders.
The loss to Hearts follows a particularly challenging week for Hibernian, as they also suffered a late collapse at home against Gent in their UEFA Conference League qualifier. Gray's position has come under scrutiny as supporters express their frustration over the team's recent performances.
Despite the mounting pressure, Gray remains optimistic about the potential for a strong season ahead. "During this period now, you need to own it," he stated. "You need to take it to the chin and I certainly need to own it, it’s my responsibility when you lose any game." His candid acknowledgment of the situation reflects a commitment to accountability and improvement.
So far this season, Hibernian has experienced a mixed bag of results in the Scottish Premiership, with two wins and two losses. One of their victories was a notable 2-1 triumph against Rangers at Ibrox, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level. However, Gray believes that the team should have secured more than the six points they currently hold.
Reflecting on the team's performances, Gray noted, "If you look back at every game we’ve lost this season, we certainly could have won every one of them if we’d taken our chances again." This sentiment underscores a recurring theme for Hibernian, where missed opportunities have cost them valuable points.
Gray also analyzed the derby match specifically, stating, "Even looking at the Hearts game in isolation, very fine margins again. So as poor as I thought we were first half, some of that was down to Hearts settling better but we were still in it." His assessment highlights the competitive nature of the match, suggesting that despite the scoreline, Hibernian had moments of dominance.
As Hibernian prepares for their upcoming fixture against St Johnstone on Sunday, the focus will be on translating their potential into results. Gray's belief in his squad's capability for big performances domestically will be crucial as they aim to turn their season around and regain the confidence of their supporters.
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