Bushiri on coaching plan, Hanlon, VAR, and late goals

Are things a bit more upbeat after last weekend's result?

"Of course, winning, three goals, three different goal scorers, it is positive. For me, I've played all season on the left then last week I was back on the right again, it felt good."

Paul Hanlon came on but it didn't really change anything in the team?

"There is strength in the team. We don't just have 11 players; everyone is together whether it's defenders, midfielders, whoever. We are one group."

How has Paul Hanlon helped you develop?

"This season everyone has a different role. I am not the player I was last season; Paul has had a different role this season, more guiding us and helping us with his experience. He’s been good, and he's been good in the past. It’s maybe different for him because he has not been playing as much."

He's someone who has seen it all, and can pass on advice?

"Yes, especially for new players in emotional games like playing away to Hearts. But, I have been here two years and seen it all and I know how to deal with those situations but maybe for other players it’s different."

You say you're a different player - how have you improved? 

"The coaching staff have been very good and I’m grateful towards them. They have put loads of attention on defensive details, for me specifically. They say, 'Don’t be happy too early, play one game but you need to repeat it to be a good player at this level'. It needs to be a habit.

"When I talk about details I mean not giving penalties away, your body position in different situations, game management, when you need to go and take a card by being a nasty player or when you need to slow down. I’ve had games where I’ve taken early cards - Hearts away in February, and last weekend I took a yellow after ten minutes but I managed to finish the game without any problems. It’s all repetition of things you do through the week and the psychology work you do with the gaffer and his staff. 

Hibs have lost quite a lot of late goals; has that been difficult for the defence to deal with?

"In football, every goal comes from a mistake. It’s not fair to say it’s just because of the defenders. If you see the actions before it can come from anywhere on the pitch. Losing late goals is something we need to improve on but I’m sure we will keep working on it for the future.

"The coaching staff also try to take the pressure off the defence. Okay, we are defenders but we’re also the first attackers for the way the gaffer wants to play. The responsibilities on the pitch are shared."

You're still quite young for a centre-back playing week in, week out?

"I’m somewhere between young and experienced because I have nearly played 50 games now and also in different leagues and in different positions."

VAR's been in the headlines again recently... 

"You know it when you rewatch it but it’s too late, what do you want us to do? You can’t cry, we have a game on Saturday."

Does VAR make things more difficult for defenders?

"There are positive things as well; we play with a high line and it can help you for offside and in different things. You also have the negative side: physically you defend differently but use your brain more. You need to find the right balance."