Acun Ilıcalı: “Our only goal is to stay in the Premier League”

Acun Ilıcalı says Hull City’s early Premier League record has made him proud, but he is not changing the club’s objective. After three matches, Hull remain unbeaten and have not conceded a goal. “Our only goal is to stay in the Premier League,” Ilıcalı said.

Speaking after Hull’s 0-0 draw with Aston Villa, the club owner praised the players’ commitment. “First of all, I am very happy and proud. I am proud of the boys too. The most important difference with our team is that they play with their hearts. I feel that every minute,” he said.

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First of all, I am very happy and proud. I am proud of the boys too. The most important difference with our team is that they play with their hearts. I feel that every minute.

Ilıcalı noted that Hull had not yet been able to use all of their new signings. Around 10 players remained unavailable, while three or four could play and were only beginning to feature. He also pointed to the defensive run that began in the promotion playoffs, where Hull went three matches without conceding, including the final, and had continued through their first three league games.

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Our only goal is to stay in the Premier League.

He said the club had worked hard over the summer and that he had managed transfers alongside the team. Ilıcalı praised the scouting department and said the squad was young and promising. He singled out goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, whom he had followed since the player saved three penalties against Fenerbahçe in the UEFA Conference League. “He had hurt me,” Ilıcalı said of that performance, adding that he was glad he had chosen Tzolakis from the candidates recommended by Hull’s goalkeeping coach.

Hull’s next match is away at Chelsea. Ilıcalı said one point would make him very happy and would keep the club’s short-term calculations on track. Staying up, he said, could give Hull greater financial room next season and reduce the need for another large round of transfers.

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He had hurt me.