Hull City's Impressive Start to the Season
BBC Sport reports on Hull City's surprising performance in the Premier League, where they've secured seven points from their first three matches.
A Strong Beginning
- Seven points from three games: Hull's impressive start has raised hopes of avoiding relegation.
- Three clean sheets: This solid defensive display is a key factor in their success.
- Close to top-pacesetters: Just two points behind Manchester City, Hull's early form is promising.
Building on Confidence
John Egan, a Hull defender, attributes the strong start to the team's confidence, boosted by their first-day win against Manchester United.
Historical Perspective
History supports Hull's cause:
- No relegation after seven or more points in first three games: Promoted sides rarely get relegated after such a strong start.
- Only three teams relegated after doing so: This highlights the rarity of Hull's scenario.
A Turnaround from Previous Struggles
As recently as last year, Hull narrowly avoided relegation to League One. Fast forward to present day, and they're challenging established Premier League sides.
Coach's Philosophy
Sergej Jakirovic, Hull's head coach, maintains a pragmatic approach:
- Focus on the present: "It's early," he says, cautioning against premature predictions.
- Emphasis on squad depth: Jakirovic joined last season under a transfer embargo but transformed Hull into promotion contenders. This summer, they were the busiest club in the Premier League with 18 new signings.
Preparations for the Future
Jakirovic signed a two-year contract extension on Friday, indicating his commitment to Hull's long-term project. He plans to utilize pre-season matches to give minutes to new signings, ensuring a competitive squad for the challenges ahead.