Gray Acknowledges Pressure at Hibs Despite Status
Manager Lee Johnson has admitted that the pressure is on at Hibernian despite their strong start to the season. While the team sits comfortably in second place in the Scottish Premiership table, the expectations at Easter Road remain high, with the club aiming for a return to European football.
<h3>The weight of expectation</h3>
"There's a lot of pressure here, no question," said Johnson, after Hibs' recent victory over St Johnstone. "We're a big club with a big fanbase, and the expectation is always to be challenging at the top." Despite the recent success, Johnson has emphasized that the team is still in the early stages of building something special. "We're still trying to build a team that can compete consistently at the top level," he added.
<h3>Dealing with the pressure</h3>
Johnson has a proven track record of handling pressure, having previously managed at Bristol City and Sunderland, two clubs with similarly high expectations. He's been keen to instill a winning mentality within his Hibs squad, and the players seem to be responding well to his methods.
<h3>The benefits of pressure</h3>
While the pressure at Hibernian can be intense, Johnson believes it can also be a positive force. "When you have that pressure, it pushes you to be better," he explained. "It forces you to be more focused and to work harder, which can only benefit the team in the long run."
<h3>Building for the future</h3>
Johnson's long-term vision for Hibs involves building a squad capable of competing for major honors. "We want to be a team that can challenge for trophies and consistently qualify for European football," he stated. "That's the ambition we have, and that's what we're working towards."
Johnson's acknowledgement of the pressure at Hibernian highlights the ambition and expectation surrounding the club. While the team is currently performing well, the manager knows that maintaining their success will require continued hard work and dedication.
With a clear vision and a strong work ethic, Johnson is well-equipped to guide Hibernian to even greater heights. The coming months will be crucial in determining the team's long-term prospects, and the pressure will only intensify as they push for major silverware.
Keywords: Hibernian, Hibs, Lee Johnson, Scottish Premiership, pressure, expectations, European football, ambition, success, trophies, winning mentality, future, long-term vision.