BREAKING NEWS: Hibernian’s coach celebrated his birthday today at…
“Our focus area is the attacking third,” explains Shaun Maloney, as his forwards exchange passes and find an open
net. “This is a drill we’re trying for the first time.”
It’s 11:30 a.m. on “matchday minus-four” at the Hibernian Training Centre, and a dozen players are carefully listening to their manager’s instructions. Maloney prefers smooth, subtle motions followed by a finish. “We’ll make
this pitch bigger as the week goes by,” he continues, hurriedly flipping through his notes.
“Defensively, we’ve done well, but we need to be more clinical. “This drill will help.”
The plan is to work on transitions in a small space, initially one-on-one, then two-on-two. Maloney is three months
into his first management position and hopes to turn Hibs into an attractive, attack-minded team.
“Great, lads. “I love it,” he exclaims passionately, as the build-up play from behind is sharp. When the ball reaches
the halfway point, the attackers may fire, and the defensive side must immediately restart. It’s a purposeful activity and the ideal way to begin a busy week.
The sun shining down on a training ground acclimated to wind and rain serves as a signal that spring is approaching. It means the end of the season is near for this Edinburgh behemoth, and the race for fourth place and Scottish Cup glory is still very much alive.
Maloney understands that his concept will take time to adopt, but the progress he’s witnessed in training over the last month has left him eager for more. He’s addicted to the developing process and as eager as ever to learn more. Sir Alex Ferguson has both encouraged and advised the team on its success. Roy Hodgson, the former England manager, has also done so.
“The last four or five weeks have been good,” he admits, following one defeat in six games across all competitions, including Saturday’s 3-1 loss at Aberdeen.
“We are now focusing on how we will attack the box.
“Some of it has been understanding the players’ attributes in specific roles. We’re getting players into better situations and always striving to improve their actions once there. We just need to start taking chances to make a genuine difference.”
