Midfielder Nathan Moriah-Welsh spoke to the media ahead of Hibs' clash with Dundee on Saturday. Here's everything he had to say...
How are confidence levels, in terms of getting results on the board?
“It’s only been two weeks so far into the season so no alarms are going off. It’s 11 v 11 and we need to go out and play to the best of our ability.|
Is it important to keep calm?
“There is no need to panic at all, we’re all calm. It’s not just the gaffer it’s all the lads, we’re like, ‘keep calm’. It’s two weeks into the season, there is no reason for alarm bells. We’re ready to go each week.”
The manager said he might make changes - how did the squad take those remarks?
“There are going to be changes but if we can cut out the mistakes we’ll be in a much better place. It’s happened but we’ll try and do as well as we can.”
Do the mistakes come down to a new-ish team still gelling early in the season?
We’re still learning about each other, it’s been a good start. Not results-wise but as a collective it’s been good and we’re learning about each other.”
How big an opportunity is the Dundee game to kickstart things?
It’s going to be important to get points on the board and get the season going, the last three games have been unfortunate but it’s in the past and we need to look forward.”
How are the new guys settling in - and what’s it like having increased competition for places?
“Competition is always good. So having new players coming in, we all know that we need it.
“Last year, there were times when it looked as if we didn’t have enough competition. So it’s good that we’re all fighting for places, because we’re fighting for three points on a Saturday.
When there’s a new midfielder coming in, are you looking at them?
“Of course, you do have a little look at new guys coming in, see how they’re doing. But I can learn from them, they can learn from me at times.
“We’re always trying to get better as a team and individuals. So you’re not out there always looking at the competition and say, ‘Ooh …’
“You welcome them into the team because they can maybe add something that we don’t have.”
Is it just a case of getting through this period until all the players are match-ready?
“They are just building up their fitness in some case. That’s more of a thing for the coaching staff and sports science. As a team, we’re all ready to play when called upon.
What have you made of Dundee? You faced them last year…
“I only played against them once last year, I think. From that game, I remember that they are quite a physical team.
“They like to run, as most teams do in this league. But it’s nothing that we haven’t faced before.
“We just go into the game knowing it’s 11 v 11 – and that we need to be better, to a man.”
What has the gaffer said about them?
“The manager has told us that Dundee will run hard, they’re powerful, but it’s nothing we haven’t faced in the past.”
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The gaffer was angry last weekend, is that the first time you’ve seen him properly angry?
“Yeah, of course, he was a bit frustrated. The mistake was unfortunate.
“But I think we needed that little kick up the a**e just to get us going again. Now we’ve got a shot at redemption on Saturday.”
You won’t want that little kick too often, though, will you?
“Of course. No one wants to have that every week. So we’ll be trying as hard as possible to cut that out.”
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