Reedijk admits “sick feeling” as Hibs slip to bottom of Premiership
Two games into his tenure, Marink Reedijk has already felt the sting of defeat at Easter Road. After a 2-1 loss to Falkirk on Saturday, the Dutch manager described a “strange feeling” in his stomach and wondered whether his side are now caught in a relegation battle.
The defeat left Hibernian at the foot of the Scottish Premiership, a position that feels premature to some with Halloween still two weeks away, but it is a clear warning sign a quarter of the way through the season. “I hate it,” Reedijk told BBC Scotland. “It’s something I don’t want. I also think that based on today, we don’t deserve it. But it’s a fact and it’s up to us to continue what we do, unpack the things we need to really work on, make sure these little mistakes don’t happen and that we create momentum in our matches.”
The 35‑year‑old coach arrived after guiding former club Beveren to the Belgian top flight with an unbeaten campaign. Since taking over at Hibs, his side have failed to win any of their six league games, and it has been more than six months since the club celebrated a home Premiership victory. Patience among supporters, already thin, is wearing even thinner.
Reedijk emphasized the need for hard work and fewer mistakes. “I leave very disappointed with a strange feeling in my stomach because I think the guys worked their guts out. I think we deserved more, however we didn’t get more. I’m therefore positive but with a sick feeling in my stomach,” he said.
Despite the loss, there were some encouraging statistics. Hibs dominated possession with 70 percent, entered the final third 68 times compared with Falkirk’s 48, and had 29 touches inside the opposition box versus 16. Their expected goals tally was 1.35, higher than Falkirk’s 0.76. However, they produced only three shots on target from 17 attempts, while the visitors managed five on target from ten.
The pressure is mounting after a run of six home defeats in the club’s last seven Premiership matches. Reedijk now faces the challenge of changing the team’s culture while delivering results, with upcoming fixtures against Celtic, a semi‑final against Hearts at Hampden, and a league clash with Kilmarnock looming.
Former Hibs forward Ryan Stevenson called the situation “a mess” on BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound, noting that the club sits at the bottom of a tight lower table and needs points quickly. Former midfielder Michael Stewart echoed the sentiment, saying the team is still searching for a system, personnel and partnerships that can produce results.
Reedijk remains hopeful, pointing to an improved performance in his first match in charge against Dundee United, even though that game also ended in defeat. He now has the task of keeping both players and fans onside while steering the team away from the relegation zone, with the national cup semi‑final against Hearts just after Halloween offering a potential boost.
Fans have voiced frustration online. One supporter, Michael, complained that the squad has deteriorated since finishing third, with key players leaving and inadequate replacements arriving. Another, Colin, called for the departure of former manager Malky Mackay. The coming weeks will be crucial for Reedijk as he seeks to turn the tide for Hibernian.