Liverpool v Hull City: Closure on permanent deal for Mike Phelan proving elusive

Phelan who turns 54 today, has been in temporary charge of Hull City for almost 10 weeks. An agreement seemed close last weekend over Phelan being named Steve Bruce’s permanent successor but, as yet, no further progress has been made.

“There is no timescale,” he said. “It is still going on a day to day basis.

“I don’t expect a timescale, it is just a case of sitting down again when we possibly can and getting this done and dusted.

“I am still picking this football team, still hoping to work with the players. There is a deal there, we just need an answer. Simple as that.”

Phelan’s bid to become permanent manager has been backed by both Hull’s players and the club’s fans, who have been chanting their support since the victory at Swansea City on August 20.

“It is not an easy name to chant,” said Phelan when asked about the support from the terraces. “But I think they have been excellent, I really do.

“The media have been very kind to me as well in the last month or two and I know everyone wants answers.”

Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, is warning Liverpool fans to be patient today and not get too carried away by a start that has brought wins over Arsenal and Chelsea on the road, plus a four-goal drubbing of champions Leicester City.

The German added: “It is not easier against Hull. Why should it be easier? When we can win against teams which people think are stronger than we are, why can’t a team which people think are weaker than us have the opportunity to win?

“I am not saying Hull are a bus-parking team.”