Mixu wants to put on a show against Barca

Published on Thursday 24 July 2008 10:59

HIBS boss Mixu Paatelainen today insisted he won't allow tonight's glamour friendly with Spanish giants Barcelona to descend into farce – even although both sides will use up to seven substitutes.

Paatelainen is determined to give as many of the 18 players who will strip for his side the chance to savour the moment, but he revealed he isn't planning to make seven separate changes.

He said: "If each side was to do that then there would be 14 stoppages, it would become a farce. I have my thoughts but I'd rather change a group of players than make seven individual substitutions.

"I'd like to give as many of our players as possible the chance to play against what are some of the best players in the world. I'm going to have some players disappointed because they won't be in the squad and others upset because they are not in the starting line-up.

"Experience is very important. I was watching a television programme yesterday which showed how many players over the age of 30 there are in some English Premier League sides, it was amazing.

"But we have a very young bunch of players so this is, as in the InterToto Cup matches against IF Elfsborg, a chance for them to gain some experience. Whatever happens in the game I am sure they will take plenty out of it.

"It's a big, big test for us and it will be interesting to see how we cope but, again, it is all part of our preparation for the start of the SPL season and, as I have said, we'll get more from a game like this than simply taking a friendly which we know we can easily win by six or seven goals."

And Paatelainen had a word of reassurance for Barca signing Alexander Hleb who had voiced his concern that tonight's match at Murrayfield may be too aggressive.

The Hibs boss said: "Obviously they are trying to avoid injuries, but so are we. We don't want injuries just before the League starts and run the risk of them not being available for Kilmarnock on August 9.

"It's important that the game is played in the right manner and, hopefully, there are no injuries. However, there is a big difference between being competitive and over-aggressive. I never encourage my players to be over-aggressive."