Paatelainen expects much better
by Brian Etherson, 04 July 2008
Mixu Paatelainen is hoping Hibernian’s final game of the season that was watched by InterToto Cup rivals IF Elfsborg will lure the Swedish side into a false sense of security.
Elfsborg manager Magnus Haglund sent his assistant Jesper Bengtsson to run the rule over Paatelainen’s side, a game which saw them lose 2-0 to Motherwell.
The Hibees boss has been able to build up a comprehensive dossier on their opponents and he admitted they will have play much better at the weekend than they did in their penultimate game of last year’s campaign.
“We were poor defensively and in midfield that night against Motherwell,” Paatelainen said in the Evening News. “Obviously, I am hoping we play much better on Sunday.
“Elfsborg are very dangerous, they have plenty of pace so we have to defend well, be more solid than we were in that game.
“We want to play as well as we can and we will give it our best shot. But this is our first game after the summer break."