Ahmed Elmohamady: Hull City feels like 'new club' on Africa Cup of Nations return

The winger was part of the Egyptian side who finished as runners-up to Cameroon in this year’s tournament.

He spent more than five weeks away from the KCOM on international duty, during which time Marco Silva replaced Mike Phelan as head coach and the Portuguese made a host of new signings in an attempt to plot a path to safety.

“I have returned to a new club,” said Elmohamady, who missed eight games during his time away with Egypt. “Everything has changed. A new manager, seven new players and some players have gone.

“We had the week (training) in Portugal with everyone together and that was good, as I could see the manager’s systems. It is different to before.

“To be honest, everyone looks comfortable. There is a lot of confidence at the minute. Hopefully, that will help us push up the table.

“I think we are in a stronger position now. The results we have had in the last month have given the players, the fans and people around the club the confidence to stay positive and look forward to games. Hopefully, that will keep us in the Premier League.”

Hull remained in the relegation zone after being held to a draw by Burnley at the weekend. In a poor game, the Tigers struck first through Tom Huddlestone’s penalty, but were pegged back by Michael Keane’s equaliser.

The clash with the Clarets was the first of five consecutive fixtures likely to decide the fate of Silva’s men, Leicester City being next up this Saturday.

Claudio Ranieri’s departure from the King Power Stadium means Hull could be facing a team under the charge of a new manager this weekend with their own former boss Nigel Pearson being heavily linked with a possible return to the champions.

“Sometimes it is good and sometimes it is bad (to play a team after a change in manager),” added Elmohamady ahead of a run that will also see the Tigers host Swansea, West Ham and Middlesbrough in the next five weeks.

“Changes can help you, like what has happened to us. But it can be negative, too. The main thing is we have to go there and pick up three points.”