Friday 11 May 2018 15:12, UK
Marvin Bartley admits Hibernian players were shocked by Neil Lennon's criticism after Wednesday's derby defeat by Hearts.
Lennon cast doubt on his future at Easter Road in the wake of the 2-1 Tynecastle loss, calling his squad "unprofessional" and saying he would re-evaluate his position at the end of the season.
There was further confusion on Friday at the club's pre-match press conference, when Lennon failed to show after Bartley spoke, although Hibs later clarified the manager was suffering with flu.
Assistant Garry Parker said: "He's had flu for the last couple of weeks and he's at home in Glasgow. He has overslept. His wife woke him up and he has gone back to sleep, which is in fact a true story. He'll be coming in at some point."
Lennon was due to meet with Hibs chief executive Leanne Dempster and head of football operations George Craig in the wake of Wednesday's defeat, and he was also not present at Friday's training session.
Bartley said: "He's his own man and has got his own thoughts. He obviously hadn't shared that with us so we were as shocked as everyone else.
"We thought we had had a very good season for our first season back in the top flight. We haven't had a meeting. I haven't seen the gaffer since we left the hotel."
Lennon said on Wednesday night he was disappointed by a defeat that meant Hibs would almost certainly only finish fourth in the Scottish Premiership, and possibly miss out on Europe if Motherwell shock Celtic in the Scottish Cup final next weekend.
He said: "We look like we are going to finish fourth, which is unacceptable for me.
"I will reconsider my position now in the summer. I've got things to think about myself, my own personal aims and ambitions. But I can't watch that in a derby. It's not good enough.
"We have a board meeting next week so we'll see. I have been here two years now and we have made great strides but I've got to think about myself sometimes as well and how I feel about the whole thing."
