Hibernian manager Lee Johnson insists he is ‘excited’ for the season ahead after warming up with an ‘excellent’ training camp in the heat of Spain.
The Easter Road side drew the curtain down on their week in the Costa del Sol with a humbling 4-0 friendly defeat to English Premier League team Bournemouth on Thursday evening.
The capital outfit were two goals down after just 12 minutes and risked an embarrassing outing before settling in the searing temperatures of Marbella.
Having defeated Gibraltar side Europa last Saturday, Hibs have experienced mixed results during their stint overseas.
But Johnson is convinced his squad will reap the benefits - both on an off the pitch - as they prepare for their Europa Conference League first-leg outing in less than a fortnight.
He said: “It has been an intense week for us, which the heat has magnified.
“When we come back to the normal climate we will gain that extra yard, that extra breath, and our fitness levels will have improved greatly.
“We’ve had a good balance between rest, play, and hard work - but the squad bonding is key on trips like this and this has been an excellent week for us out here.
“I don’t like losing football matches, but I understand why we lost [against Bournemouth] and I’m excited by how the current squad is shaping up.”
With Will Fish set to re-join on loan from Manchester United this week, Johnson will take his summer signings to seven.
But, having admitted that Christian Doidge could still leave ahead of the new season if clubs follow up on their interest in the striker, the Hibs boss has hinted he is keen on adding further fresh faces.
He added: “Last season, I thought we got our pre-season wrong. I don’t think the quality of those pre-season games was good enough.
“But out here we’ve had two really good challenges. Playing against these teams helps you expand your knowledge and develop as a player.
“I know what we need ahead of the start of the season.”
