Nigel Pearson speaks to A Different League as Hull prepare to enter the Den
Following a positive start to the season with victory over Swansea last weekend at the KC Stadium, Hull City manager Nigel Pearson spoke to A Different League as he prepares his squad for this weekend's match against Millwall.
Picking up three points at the first attempt is always pleasing, and whilst rightly praising his team's performance, the manager was keen to stress that he will not be letting his side get carried away. “I thought the performance was workmanlike and honest, and there's areas for us to improve, I think there always will be, but an encouraging start.” He continued: “Last week was pleasing, but it's the first game of a very tough season. Now we have to go and reproduce that on the road.”
An air of positivity is coming from the Hull camp, but it would appear that the debate over international friendlies so close to the start of the season is not an issue exclusive to the Premier League. With five members of his squad missing training this week owing to international call-ups, it would be easy to understand Pearson being angry, but the manager chose to look on the brighter side: “The most important thing is you get players back fit and I've heard nothing to suggest that's not the case so far.”
Following last season's relegation back to the Championship, the Tigers have had to reduce the size of their squad which has led to some of the younger members being presented with the opportunity to impress. Jamie Devitt caught the eye of many during loan spells lower down the football ladder, and the Irishman was given his senior debut last week and looks likely to be included in the matchday squad for the trip to London too. “He'll be in the squad this weekend certainly. His situation will be similar to a lot of the young player's situations this year in as much as they're bound to get opportunities because of our squad size this year.” Many may look on a squad featuring plenty of young names as somewhat worrying, but there clearly are positives to be drawn from this position . “If they play well then they've got a great chance of being selected. The same rules apply for them as anybody else, which is I think quite exciting for them and possibly for us too.”
As for the match itself, Pearson spoke confidently of his side's ability and potential to cause Millwall problems. “It will be a hard fought game, there's no doubt about that. We've got to be in a resolute mood certainly to go down there but on top of that we've got players who I think can cause them problems as well.” It looks set to be an eye catching fixture following the Tigers' positive start, coupled with Millwall's victory at Ashton Gate last week as they stole the show in David James' Bristol City debut. With both sides impressing early on, expect an entertaining and fascinating encounter at the New Den.
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