Fight for survival: Ahmed Elmohamady is adamant that Marco Silva can steer Hull City to safety

AHMED ELMOHAMADY has revealed how the personal touch from head coach Marco Silva is fuelling Hull City's push for Premier League safety.
Hull City's Ahmed Elmohamady during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London.Hull City's Ahmed Elmohamady during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London.
Hull City's Ahmed Elmohamady during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London.

The Tigers have been in the bottom three since mid-October, but now sit within a victory of three teams who are directly above the drop zone.

Silva has breathed fresh life into the club’s season and Elmohamady, who missed the Portuguese’s first month at the helm while on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, believes Hull have what it takes to stay up. He claims Silva’s hands-on approach to the job will be key.

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“The club felt very different when I got back,” said the winger, who was part of the Egyptian side beaten 2-1 by Cameroon in last month’s final.

Hull City manager Marco SilvaHull City manager Marco Silva
Hull City manager Marco Silva

“When I went away with the national team and then came back, the club felt like a new one.

“Everything was new – manager, players, tactics. The big thing was the confidence within the club was very, very high. Everyone in the camp believes.”

Elmohamady’s return came shortly before Silva took the squad away for a warm weather training camp in Portugal last month. His arrival back in England, though, was not the first time the Egyptian international had been in contact with the new head coach.

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“I did speak to the manager before the final,” added Elmohamady. “He rang to wish me good luck. That was a really nice thing to do and made me feel good.

Hull City manager Marco SilvaHull City manager Marco Silva
Hull City manager Marco Silva

“Obviously, I didn’t know him so it was good to speak. It is strange when you go away and a manager is changed.

“Mike (Phelan) was here when I left for the Africa Cup of Nations. Everything then changed while I was away. But he (Silva) got in touch and that was a great touch for him.

“The manager then did a lot of work with us at the training camp (in Portugal). We all got together and that was a big thing.

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“He wants everyone working for each other and that is going to be important. It is great for the club.”

Elmohamady, one of Hull’s longest serving players after being brought to the East Riding by Steve Bruce in 2012, is adamant Silva can lead the club out of trouble.

He added: “The win over Swansea was a massive one for us. We badly needed it, because we were at home and they were a team we needed to pull back towards us. We have another massive week now to get ready for Everton away. That is another big game for us and we want another win.”