Hibs boss Mixu not ready to wave the white flag after Elsborg defeat

The Hibs manager admitted his team ran out of steam in the second half at Easter Road as they slumped to a deserved loss against the Swedes.

Not at the races: (above) Ma-Kalambay makes a mess of Elfsborg's second while (below) Fletcher tries to hide his pain

But he pointed to the fact they had just returned to training, while Elfsborg were midway through their season.

'We were sharper than even I thought we would be in the first half but ran out of steam a bit as the match went on,' admitted Paatelainen. 

'Despite that, I felt we could have scored and I do think we can score over there. Next week, in the return, we will be a little bit better off. Not much, to be honest, but a little bit when it comes to match fitness and knowledge of Elfsborg's play.

'When you start matches after the summer break, things aren't straightforward and it takes four or five matches to play as you should do.

'In saying that, Elfsborg kept the ball better than us and, in the end, fitness mattered. 'We will try our best in Sweden but it will be tough again.'

Midfielder Ian Murray admitted Hibs had been played off the park and claimed they would need to improve in the return to stand any chance.

'Elfsborg showed their strength, beat us fairly comfortably and our general play was fairly poor,' he said.

'They beat us soundly but, hopefully, we can get ourselves going in the second leg. We need an early goal but it will be hard as they are a good side.'

Elfsborg coach Magnus Haglund promised his troops would not be complacent and pinpointed the experience of Anders Svensson as being crucial.

'Anders controls the attack and defence for us from midfield and can also control the pace of the game,' said Haglund.

'He was an important player for us today and will be an equally important player next Saturday.

'We have a two-goal lead, which is great, but we must finish the job at home.'