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MIXU: WE'LL BE READY WHEN IT COUNTS
Alex Hleb in action during his Barca debut.
Mixu Paatelainen has assured concerned fans Hibernian will be on top form by the time they face Kilmarnock in their Clydesdale Bank Premier League opener next month.
And the Hibs boss insists his side's confidence has not been shattered by tonight's comprehensive 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Barcelona at Murrayfield.
The Catalan giants ran riot and an Eidur Gudjohnsen double and strikes from Lionel Messi and Pedro in the first half were followed by goals from Bojan and Yaya Toure after the break.
Paatelainen said: "We will be fine when the Kilmarnock game comes around. We faced a very high quality side today - the best team in the world.
"It was a disappointment for myself and the players but we realise who we were playing against."
Hibs already suffered disappointment earlier this month when they were sent crashing out of the Intertoto Cup by Swedish side Elfsborg, who netted four goals over the two legs.
But Paatelainen claimed to have no concerns about his side's fragile confidence following this latest set-back.
He said: "No, not at all. We knew we were facing one of the best teams in the world and we got a real lesson.
"The players won't like watching the video tomorrow but that's the way forward.
"I'm very disappointed, gutted. we knew the defence would be under pressure and it was a real test for us.
"In the first half, we should have done better and kept our shape better. They are quality players, a fantastic side and their passing and finishing was first class."
Messi may have been withdrawn at the break but he did enough to earn the man-of-the-match award.
And Paatelainen admitted: "He is a fantastic player to watch on TV but he is a pain when he plays against you. He is a tremendous player and wasn't the only one tonight. The movement and passing killed us."
Barcelona boss Josep Guardiola declared himself satisfied with his first match in charge but refuted suggestions he may have been wishing for a stronger challenge than Hibs provided.
He said: "I know we will have tougher games but, to start with, this was okay. I respect the opponents.
"I focus more on my own team than the other team.
"I was satisfied with everyone. We have only been together for 10 days and there is a lot to improve on but generally I was satisfied with the attitude of the players. It was a good test for us."
