We travel to Bonnyrigg Rose on Sunday in our third Premier Sports Cup group stage match of the 2022/23 season.
So far, the Hibees have cruised past Clyde, beating them 5-0 at Easter Road, but then fell short away to Falkirk in a disappointing 1-0 defeat. Despite losing last time out, Elias is confident that the team have worked hard and will bounce back this weekend.
Speaking with Hibs TV, he told us:
“We worked a lot on the press and how to defend without the ball. I think that the next game will be very exciting.
“Before the Clyde game, I had an aim, to score my first goal at Easter Road, and I did so it was a really good feeling and I hope for many more.
“This game (against Bonnyrigg) will suit us well. We just need to have the mentality, fight and desire to smash them. I think it should be good.”
Supporters may have noticed that Melkersen came back looking a lot bigger and stronger. He put on around 3/4kg in muscle over the summer to become more physical ready for the upcoming campaign.
“I tried to relax a little bit but it’s difficult because I always want to work on getting better, so I worked a lot in the summer.
“I did what I needed to become as good as I can for pre-season. It’s been a good summer. Now I am a lot bigger, faster and stronger.”
Elias also told us how Hibernian FC Manager Lee Johnson’s training sessions have been and how he has gelled with his teammates.
“He (Lee Johnson) knows what he wants and is very strict in his terminology. He likes to play forward football and that’s what suits us the best. We create a lot of chances now, which is good for me.
“When you are a striker, you make a lot of runs and want the ball, and now I get it. My teammates know my runs as well. Maybe last season we didn’t know each other as well but now they know me.”
And finally, will we see the backflip celebration again?
“Some of the staff said I shouldn’t do it! so I don’t think so,” he laughed.