FA Cup: Hull vs Chelsea – Sergej Djakerović dreams of the Premier League

After that defeat to Boro, Hull conceded 34 goals in 19 matches, the second worst defensive record in the league.

Since then, they have conceded just nine goals from their subsequent 12 matches, with eight wins and six clean sheets on that run.

By the end of January, they had won more points and games, scored more goals and kept more clean sheets than they did throughout the 2024-25 season.

The Tigers are averaging 45% of possession compared to 49% last season, and are averaging 276 successful passes per game, 70 fewer than last time.

Under Tim Walter and Seles last season, the team scored two goals from what football statisticians define as quick shots – this season it is already nine.

Experienced striker Ollie McBurnie, who has scored 12 goals in 22 league games this season, said the team benefits from the confidence the manager and staff have in the players.

He told BBC Radio Humberside: “It wasn’t like a dictatorship. Since they came they understood what English football and culture was about.”

“They will have a conversation with you. Obviously the coach has the final decision but they have been fantastic.

“They understand the league and they understand that we know the league and that our opinions matter and that religion exists [Holden] The staff is huge for them.”