A really decent bunch of lads. Thats one thing I'm loving about City at the moment/ recently. The management team seem to have assembled a really good group of players who seem, to a man (when being interviewed) to be really decent, down to earth, genuine, ambitious lads. No prima dona's, no massive egos. Just honest, team players who all want to succeed. Typified by this cut n paste from an interview with Jake....... âWeâre not going into it blind,â stressed Livermore. âThe manager and the coaching staff have done their research and weâve worked on a few things on the training ground. âI know a lot of people have us down as the overwhelming favourites for the tie but thereâs no such thing as an easy game at this level. âJust as we qualified to play in the Europa League through merit, so did they and we will show them the respect they deserve on the pitch tomorrow night. âWeâll conduct ourselves as the professionals we all are and treat it like we would any other game. âYes, everyone is excited and looking forward to playing in Europe but weâll keep our heads and remain focused on the job we need to do. âOne thing I can assure you is that we will step out onto the pitch at Zilinaâs Stadión pod Dubnom with one intention - to win the game! That is our only aim. âIâm sure it will be different test to what weâre used to in the Premier League and England but itâs one that weâre relishing.â Although tomorrow night's game will be the Clubâs first-ever taste of European football, the Tigersâ squad assembled by Steve Bruce still boasts a considerable amount of European experience, something that can only aid the team according to Livermore. âThereâs myself, Tom (Huddlestone), Allan (McGregor), Sone (Aluko), Nikica (Jelavic), Steve (Harper) and Curtis (Davies) - weâve all played in Europe before. âBetween us all I think itâs fair to say weâve racked up a fair few European appearances whether it be in the Europa League or the Champions League. âOn top of that, weâve also got a number of internationals in the squad as well who have experienced playing the game in countries all over the world. âHaving that amount of experience in the squad can only be beneficial to us in the Europa League this season. âHopefully that experience will stand us in good stead and help us to progress into the competition proper.â The former Spurs midfielder boasts 14 European appearances to his name from his time at White Hart Lane and, eyeing a decent run in the competition this term, is keen to significantly add to his tally whilst wearing black and amber. âI want to be involved in every game - no matter what the competition,â he added. âWhether itâs a pre-season friendly, a Premier League fixture, an FA Cup Final or a Europa League tie I want to be involved and tomorrow night will be no different. âAt the end of the day, football is football and I want to play as many games as I possibly can. âI think itâs great to travel around the world and play in different competitions, different types of games, because it can only benefit you as a player and as a squad. âFrom a personal aspect, the Europa League has benefited me greatly. Thereâs no doubt my own game came on a lot when I was at Spurs playing regularly in the tournament. âYou learn different ways on how to win a game, how to break teams down and how to defend against them. âI am really looking forward to it because this is what football is all about - you want to be challenging in the best league and the big competitions because thatâs how you progress as a player and as a team.â And Livermore reckons the Europa League will eventually get the respect he says it deserves. âI think people are starting to take it a bit more seriously now. And thatâs why itâs an even greater achievement for Hull to get there. âIn my time at Tottenham, I played against some massive clubs and in massive stadiums in that competition. âWe went to the San Siro and squeezed past Inter Milan to reach the last eight in March 2013 and that was a fantastic occasion. âNow it will be great for our fans, the gaffer Steve Bruce and all the players to go and experience that sort of thing." What's not to like with this kind of attitude? Can't wait for tomorrow!!! Cheers all Chris
Absolutely. Two huge factors in this, and they're both down to the gaffer: 1. Signing players of the right character. 2. Providing the sort of atmosphere at the club/in training where players work hard but also want to be there, where they feel pushed but also appreciated, where they get a sense of moving forward together. Well done SB.
Absolutely!! One sour apple and all that! We've been there before and have seen how damaging it is. So different at the mo and, like you say, all down to SB really I guess. Talent is one thing nut can easily be eclipsed by sheer desire and hard work! UTT!