Hibernian 'too nice' says Dean Gibson as he demands 'nasty streak'
Hibernian need to get nasty if they are to compete at the top of the table this season, believes head coach Dean Gibson.
Hibernian need to get nasty if they are to compete at the top of the table this season, believes head coach Dean Gibson.
The Leith side have won three out of four league games this season, including Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Hearts in front of a record 5,000 fans at Easter Road, to sit just one point off the SWPL 1 summit.
However, ahead of Sunday afternoon’s live BBC Alba clash with Rangers at the Tony Macaroni Arena, Gibson revealed his team need to become more streetwise.
Gibson said: “See if it’s not a penalty, players should ask for it. Demand it.
“Say it’s your ball even if it’s not and as a side I’m trying to get that sort of nasty streak into the squad. I tell them we are too nice at times and hopefully that will change.”
Goals from Alexa Coyle, Rachael Boyle and Eilidh Adams capped of an Edinburgh derby win over Hearts as Hibs bounced back from last weekend’s late defeat to Celtic.
Hibs finished 19 points behind third-placed Rangers last season, and a further eight behind champions Glasgow City - a gap Gibson is determined to cut this term.
And he feels his side have improved considerably, with a SWPL Cup quarter-final also to come this month away to Aberdeen.
“I wasn’t too happy about the first half performance,” said Gibson after the win over Hearts.
“I let the girls know that at half time but I think the second half we came out and played a lot better.
“We had a lot of possession, but it wasn’t hurtful possession in the first half whereas I feel we hurt Hearts every time we went forward in the second half.
“I think we are showing the makings of a good side this year. A different side to the one last season and I’m sure it’s one that will stand us in good stead for the remainder of the season.”
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