City return to action this weekend in search of their first league victory in South Wales since 2012. Hull City head coach Liam Rosenior spoke to the media ahead of the Tigers’ trip to Swansea City on Saturday, when they return to action following the international break.
City travel to South Wales aiming to build on their 1-0 success against Huddersfield Town last time out. They have won three of their previous four Championship games, with their only setback coming on their most recent away trip to West Brom.
Rosenior spoke to Hull Live about a variety of topics, including the Terriers’ recent training game at Manchester United’s Carrington Training Complex, as well as the impact of Tyler Morton, who made his England Under-21s debut and scored and assisted in Tuesday night’s 3-0 win over Northern Ireland at Everton’s Goodison Park. City will be back in action this weekend, looking for their first league success in South Wales since 2012. Hull City head coach Liam Rosenior addressed to the media ahead of the Tigers’ return to action after the international break against Swansea City on Saturday.
On the break and returning to action
“There’s no time to relax, but it’s been nice (to take a break).” We played a game behind closed doors against a really talented team. It was a really nice warm-up for the players, and then they had a few days off, as did we as a staff. As I usually say after these international vacations, you’re analyzing where you can improve, where your shortcomings are, and how you can develop. I can’t wait for it to resume and get back into the groove. “We must concentrate, find joy in our work, and prioritize recovery. It’s crucial for the team to be in top shape because I rely on the entire squad. Staying fresh and fit is essential, particularly given our playing style, and it’s key to our success.”
What did you get out of playing Manchester United?
“It was an exceptional game, and I wished it could have continued. We had a prior agreement, and I hold great respect for the impressive football club we faced. The match showcased some outstanding players on both sides. Initially, some of our younger players seemed a bit awestruck by their opponents in the first half, but once we shifted our focus and played our style, it turned into a compelling game between two teams boasting remarkable young talent.
Moreover, the match served as a valuable fitness test for us. It provided the run-out we needed and, hopefully, will benefit us in the upcoming fixtures.
These kinds of games are always instructive for a coach, regardless of their experience. As a Manchester United fan, visiting their training ground and witnessing their facilities was incredible. However, the primary goal was to secure a game that would push our fitness levels. I anticipated that they would excel in ball possession, requiring us to press with high energy. We extracted everything we needed from the experience.”
Reflections of the season so far
“There are certainly more positives than negatives. We are on the verge of scoring numerous goals, but it’s crucial to learn from the past 16 games. Understanding the significance of key moments, recognizing when there’s an opportunity in the box for an easy pass or a well-timed shot – these nuances can make a significant difference. By refining these small details, we can make scorelines more comfortable.
Our overall style of play has been consistently strong, placing us in a position where teams like Huddersfield opt to sit back and defend against us. I emphasized to the players after that game that we can expect such defensive strategies more frequently. Our focus should be on finding effective solutions. While discussions about phases of play and philosophies are important, the key lies in being clinical and having confidence in the final third. Continuous work on these aspects will lead to improvement.”
On the Swansea challenge
“They’re a formidable football team, and their recent form has been quite impressive. Despite a tough loss at Ipswich, a challenging venue, they’ve shown positive signs under Michael’s guidance. Managers often need time to imprint their style, and Swansea has some exceptionally skilled players.
Having worked with Jamie Paterson, I hold him in high regard. Matt Grimes, in my opinion, ranks among the best midfield players in the league. Jamal Lowe is a consistent threat, and the addition of Jerry Yates from Blackpool brings energy and dynamism. Like any team in the Championship, they possess a range of talented players. However, our approach to the game at Swansea will mirror our consistent style of play.
Every team in the Championship has its strengths and weaknesses. The nature of the league is unpredictable – winning away at Leicester and then losing 3-0 at Ipswich illustrates the challenges. Our focus is on maintaining consistency throughout the season, understanding that individual game outcomes can vary. Whether we win or lose at Swansea or against Rotherham, it’s about the broader context of a 46-game season. Our emphasis is on staying true to our strengths and playing to our capabilities.”
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