Hughes lost his job as Rangers boss in November after no wins in their opening 14 matches saw them prop up the Barclays Premier League, while his replacement Harry Redknapp has so far found victories easier to come by. Wins over Fulham and Chelsea has moved Rangers to within five points off safety.
Mbia is at a loss to explain why they could not register positive results under the previous incumbent, and he told the Daily Mail: "Should the players feel guilty about Mark Hughes' sacking? Yes, I think so. He gave everything for everybody at this club. I think it's the players' fault."
He added: "I think if the players had the same mentality under Mark Hughes they have now, we would not be in this position.
"The manager was never the problem. Mark Hughes has quality, Harry Redknapp has quality.
"Harry Redknapp gives the players confidence, but Mark Hughes is the same. But the players didn't want to give their best for Mark Hughes.
"I don't know why it's like that. We should have done the same when the previous manager was here. Maybe they are more afraid of Harry."
Source: PA
Source: PA