Lee Johnson has issued his response to Robbie Neilson's Hearts sacking ahead of a huge Edinburgh derby.
Both capital sides are in need of a result as Hibs look to end their recent drought of eight games without a win against their rivals, while the league table doesn't make for good reading for Johnson. The Hibees fell to a hammer blow 2-1 defeat to Dundee United with heavy criticism falling on the Englishman's shoulders as they have a job to do to maintain their top six status before the split.
On the other side of Edinburgh the consequences of a poor Hearts run of form were more severe, as long-serving manager Neilson was given his marching orders following a 2-0 home defeat to St Mirren. It means former Rangers man Steven Naismith will be across the dugout at Easter Road from Johnson who admits nothing in football surprises him now.
READ MORE: Hibs vs Hearts on TV: Channel, live stream and kick-off details for crunch Edinburgh derby clash
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He said: "Things don't surprise me in football anymore. I'm sure you'll be the same.
"We've talked about Scottish football being a goldfish bowl and a lot of managers have gone this season and a lot have been brought in to question.
"My focus, again, is just solely on the game and preparing what we've got by looking and believing in what we do. Then we must put the team out that will go and make the fans proud."
On third place battle, he added: "I don't think it's impossible for us to go and get third. Absolutely not. We want it.
"The remaining seven games for that little bunch has got a lot of twists and turns. All we can do is focus on winning on Saturday. It's not probable, but it's not impossible."
READ NEXT:
- Robbie Neilson 'knee-jerk' Hearts sacking claims rejected as club chief reveals reason for axe
- Joe Newell fires Hearts warning as Hibs star sees 'perfect game' to end 'horrendous' derby record
- Lee Johnson slams 'naive' Hibs as Dundee United defeat has boss talking 'cup final' Hearts derby
