Using the media to challenge your managers tactics is not the brighest thing that Abdessalam Benjelloun could have done.

"... technically-skilled players like myself don't have too much of a chance"
Hibs manager Mixu Paatelainen has been attacked by striker Abdessalam Benjelloun over his choice of tactics which the Moroccan has branded 40 years out of date. Benjelloun, who is currently on loan to Belgian club Charleroi until the end of the year, claims Paatelainen relies too much on an "English" style long-ball game saying: "Mixu Paatelainen is a Finn who plays football in the style of the English game in the 1960s. He very much favours a long-ball game. And with this style of play, technically-skilled players like myself don't have too much of a chance" . Paatelainen has responded by suggesting that some more effort is required if the Moroccan is to challenge for a first-team place when he returns to Easter Road.

Paatelainen said: "Benji is a good player and if he applies the work-rate to that talent he can be a fantastic player for any club. We value his talent but, unfortunately, the work-rate and effort has not been there. I can understand his frustration. He went to Belgium looking to play regularly and that has not happened. He is concerned and I can understand that. The loan deal runs to the end of this year and we are looking to have him back unless something else happens. I don't have any hard feelings or negative feelings towards him, he is a fantastic player who has done well at times. It (the loan move) hasn't worked out as he hoped. He has fallen out of the picture, is frustrated and concerned but I am surprised he has chosen to channel it all towards me."

Benjelloun admitted he had struggled to adapt to the game in Scotland. He said: "The Scottish league is another world. The game is quick, tough and physical and is on a different planet to Belgian football. The Belgian league is skilful and strong, with a high standard. It's different to Scotland where they play at 100mph. Here the game is slower and more thoughtful."

It is always a dangerous game to criticise somebody who can determine if you get a pay packet at the end of the month. However, Benjelloun seems confident that he will still find somewhere to earn his daily bread. He said: "Maybe I will stay at Charleroi in January or maybe I will leave. They have an option to buy me then but if I want to go I'll go. It's a complicated transfer but Charleroi have the option to buy me by January 10. Then it is possible I will return to Hibs - or even join another club."

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