Hull caretaker Mike Phelan calm ahead of Leicester clash
Friday 12 August 2016 13:32, UK
Hull City caretaker manager Mike Phelan insists he is not feeling extra pressure going into the Premier League opener against champions Leicester.
The Tigers will be hoping for a strong start to the campaign following their promotion back to the top-flight, and Phelan is confident the players will rise to the occasion.
Phelan has been in charge of the squad since Steve Bruce left the KC Stadium in July following an apparent breakdown in his relationship with the club's board.
The 53-year-old has been in close contact with the board on potential targets as they seek a successor for Bruce, but the former Manchester United assistant boss refused to divulge any details as he prepares for Saturday's match, live on Sky Sports 1.
Phelan said: "The discussion needs to stay a little bit private. We discussed targets and the club's long-term future. Some of our targets have moved on.
"At the moment, the remit is the same - to take the team and prepare as best we can. It's not the hardest team to pick.
"I'm quite confident and happy. We've done everything that's been asked of us. We need that bit of support, that help. We just want to get going, to get started. The players are aware of most things. It's all out there.
"We've got to perform. The players who are here have earned the right to play in this division and I'm sure they will want to play for themselves and the club. I know those players will give it their best."
Phelan has grown accustomed to the uncertainty at Hull regarding a potential sale of the club, but he is more concerned about the lack of investment in the squad.
With several players recovering from long-term injuries, Phelan insists reinforcements are required to give Hull a fighting chance of survival.
"Speculation has been there for a long time, not just over the past couple of days. I have to leave that with them," Phelan said.
"The pressure is on to do some business. Can we compete as we are? I would say no. Most of the injuries are long-term. It's a small squad. There definitely needs to be additions to this club."
Chris Coleman and Gianfranco Zola have both been linked with the vacancy at Hull, but Phelan is confident he can take the club forward, despite anger from supporters who are planning a demonstration against the owners, which will take place prior to the Leicester match.
Phelan said: "I feel I'm ready for management. I've worked in the lower divisions and at the top. I've got a lot of experience. It's a case of everything being sorted in the background, then my future will be discussed.
"My name was in the frame from the start but they've interviewed other managers. Those deals haven't happened and I'm still here. I can't look beyond that, really.
"I can't alter anything that goes on off the pitch. If there are demonstrations, they will be conducted. After that, in the stadium, let's get behind the team."
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