Reedijk's Hibernian bottom of Scottish Premiership after two games
Marink Reedijk has lost his first two matches in charge of Hibernian, leaving the club bottom of the Scottish Premiership and facing questions about a relegation battle.
Marink Reedijk's tenure at Hibernian has begun with two defeats and no points, leaving the Leith club bottom of the Scottish Premiership a quarter of the way into the season. The Dutchman was booed by home supporters at full-time after Saturday's 2-1 loss to Falkirk at Easter Road. Asked about his side's league position, he said he hates it and does not want it, though he argued the performance did not merit that standing.
Reedijk, 35, previously took Beveren into the Belgian top flight after an undefeated season. At Hibs he has inherited a difficult run: the club have won none of their last six league games and have taken one point from the last 18 available. It is also more than six months since they won a Premiership match in front of their own fans. The manager said his players worked hard against Falkirk and that he was positive but left with a sick feeling in his stomach.
There were encouraging numbers for Hibs against Falkirk: 70% possession, 17 shots to 10, more entries into the final third, more touches in the opposition box and a higher expected-goals figure. The decisive gap was in accuracy, with the visitors managing five shots on target to the hosts' three. Reedijk acknowledged that mistakes and missed chances are costing his team and said the focus is on reducing errors and building momentum.
The fixture list offers little respite, with champions Celtic and rivals Hearts among the next three games, the latter a national cup semi-final at Hampden. On BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound, former Hearts forward Ryan Stevenson said Hibs look a mess and that they need results fast, while questioning whether Falkirk ever looked likely to concede. Former Hibs midfielder Michael Stewart said the club appear to be searching for a system, personnel and partnerships, and noted the new manager faces three huge games after two defeats.
Supporters contacting BBC Scotland expressed a range of views. Some blamed recruitment and called for sporting director Malky Mackay or the club's ownership to change, while others described the squad as not good enough and warned of relegation risk. A minority argued that individual errors and a lack of cutting edge are the main problems and that Reedijk can turn things around if senior players step up.
Reedijk's task is to keep both players and supporters onside while lifting the team away from the relegation zone. He has insisted there were positive signs and improvement on the opening defeat at Dundee United, though that match also ended in loss.
Image: SNS / BBC Sport
