David Gray wants Hibernian to do something really special in Belgium. The Hibs head coach says Thursday's first leg against Gent is a chance to create history, with a first European league phase place on the line.
Gray marked 100 games as Hibernian head coach in Sunday's League Cup win over Partick Thistle. His side beat Malisheva of Kosovo and North Macedonia's Shkendija to reach this play-off tie, and he says the route has earned them the right to go after it.
Gray's case for the occasion
Speaking to BBC Sport, Gray said: "Everything we spoke about trying to achieve on day one of pre-season was for this opportunity." He also said: "The players have earned the right to do that with the level of performances and some of the results we've had already."
That line fits the season Hibernian have put together in Europe so far. They have already handled knockout pressure to get through two rounds, and Gray is treating the tie in Belgium as a reward for that run rather than a bonus trip.
Hibernian finished fifth in the 2025 Premiership with 51 points, which is the domestic backdrop to this campaign. They are not just trying to stay alive in the tie, they are trying to reach a stage the club has not reached before.
Gent's view of the tie
Gent head coach Rik de Mil has been just as direct about the challenge. "They're a really good team, it's a good challenge for us, it's the best opponent this season we've played against," he said.
Gent have won both opening league matches, but their qualification path has been mixed. They needed penalties to get past LNZ Cherkasy before beating IFK Gothenburg, and they drew 1-1 at home with Gothenburg after winning 1-0 away.
Gray may be talking up the occasion, but this is not being sold as wishful thinking. Hibernian have already shown they can get through difficult European nights, and the first leg in Belgium gives them the chance to prove they belong at this level again on Thursday.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
