Marco Silva's remarkable home record sends out warning to Hull's fellow relegation fighters

MARCO SILVA believes the perception of Hull City among their relegation rivals has changed hugely since January.
Hull City's head coach Marco Silva appeals for a decision in the win over West Ham United.Hull City's head coach Marco Silva appeals for a decision in the win over West Ham United.
Hull City's head coach Marco Silva appeals for a decision in the win over West Ham United.

The Tigers gave their survival hopes a major lift with a victory over West Ham United that sets up beautifully Wednesday night’s all-Yorkshire showdown with Middlesbrough.

Second-half goals from Andrew Robertson and Andrea Ranocchia were enough to clinch a fourth win in five home league outings under Silva.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Our rivals will look at Hull now the same as I do,” said the Portuguese, whose four wins and two draws from 10 games at the helm means he has amassed more points than predecessor Mike Phelan managed in his own 20-match spell in charge.

“They know we will stay here to fight until the end. I don’t know if they believed that in January but now they feel we stay and fight. In the end, we will see what our position will be.”

City’s second-half fightback extended Silva’s own proud record as a head coach. He has not lost a league home game since March, 2014, a remarkable run that includes spells in charge of Portuguese minnows Estoril, Sporting Lisbon and Olympiacos.

“Of course I know about the record,” he added. “It is very good numbers but it is not the most important thing for me.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The numbers, though, are fantastic and I have seen one report in England about it and one in Portugal as well. That gives confidence to our players. Hopefully, we can continue with these numbers until the end of the season. It would be a good sign, as home form is important. If we continue with these performances at home and we take points in all our games at home then that will be a big help for us to stay in the Premier League.”

Match-winner Ranocchia arrived in January from Inter Milan after a difficult time in his native country but Silva has only praise for the loanee.

“He is one smart and experienced player,” added the Tigers chief. “When you are a good player, you can play in all the countries.”

Report: Page 2