A comfortable 3-0 win over Kilmarnock on Tuesday afternoon saw the Hibees go eight unbeaten (six wins and two draws) and stretched their lead at the top of the league to seven points.
When reviewing that win, Kean was very open about the performance.
“There wasn’t a flow to the first half, it was a little stop start. In the second half we were much better, kept the ball better, and it could’ve been more than the result showed. We were very comfortable in the second half and Murray Johnson had very little to do.
“We changed the system at half-time. At first, we started with a back three and wing-backs and then changed to a back four to give us an extra player in the middle of the pitch. It allowed us to play through the middle of the pitch, we kept the ball better, and got better service to Josh O’Connor and Ethan Laidlaw. The players adapted well to the tactical change.”
The Dev Squad have the opportunity to be named Champions next week when they face Queen of the South, and that feat is now at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
“In the Development Squad and in the Academy the main focus is always technical improvement, tactical understanding, and helping the lads to learn the game.
“But, as you move closer to the First Team, you have to develop a desire to win or an appetite to win a championship; that’s a different type of attribute you need in men’s football.
“To go a whole campaign, and hopefully stay unbeaten, and win a championship, is another side of the development when you’re in touching distance of the First Team.”
