Marco Silva sure Hull City will not take Premier League basement boys Sunderland lightly

The Portuguese has sparked a remarkable revival at the KCOM Stadium, leading the Tigers from bottom of the Premier League when he took over to 17th place and a two-point advantage over the chasing pack.

Silva’s impressive work has alerted other Premier League clubs, with Southampton and Watford both heavily linked with a possible summer move for the 39-year-old.

“Nothing has changed in my day and in my work,” said the Hull chief ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Sunderland.

“The speculation with a coach and the players is normal in football and it starts now.

“But we never lose our focus. Our players are the same. We have one goal in our mind and that is our focus.”

Hull appointed Silva on a short-term contract in January with an option for the deal to be extended if the club remain in the Premier League.

Asked if his future beyond the end of this season lies in the top flight, Silva added: “I only see my future tomorrow, preparing the team well for the game.

““I am focused on us playing well and winning the game against Sunderland. This is my focus. It is impossible to know what will happen in the future and in two months. I prepare my day and for the next game. This is my work.”

With Swansea City not kicking off until 5.30pm tomorrow, at home to Everton, Hull have a golden opportunity to pile the pressure on the Wales club by beating Sunderland earlier in the afternoon.

“It is not a dangerous game,” said Silva, whose seven home games with the Tigers have yielded six victories and a draw against Burnley.

“I understand the question, but the first thing we need to do is prepare for the game and respect our opponent,” he said.

“It is not important what has happened to Sunderland or what division they will play in next season. We need to respect our opponent. We have to do our best.

“It would be a big mistake if you go into this game thinking it will be easy. It’s a really difficult game for us.”