Phelan admits struggling Hull are ‘low’ on confidence

Mark Scott
Mike Phelan: Winless since taking permanent role

Tigers boss Mike Phelan was struggling for positives after Hull City were undone at home by Stoke City at the KCOM Stadium.

Hull’s impressive start to the season under Phelan seems a long time ago – they beat champions Leicester and Swansea in their first two matches – and they have lost both games since the manager was appointed on a permanent basis.

“It’s extremely disappointing,” Phelan said.

“First half really we weren’t proactive in passing the ball well and off the ball and we came unstuck to an exceptional first goal from a quality player, who’s capable of doing these things.”

Phelan’s side were humbled 6-1 at Bournemouth in their previous match and Phelan admitted his players were low on confidence.

“It was low, you could see certainly in the first half opportunities to pass to each other, control, make the right movements, it just wasn’t happening for us.

“So we have to take stock of that and look at those issues and look forward to the next game.”

One positive for Phelan was the return of skipper Michael Dawson, who made his first appearance of the season.

Dawson, fully recovered from a knee injury sustained in the summer, made one goal-saving tackle to deny Wilfried Bony in the first half.

“Michael Dawson’s the right character to have around,” Phelan added.

“He’s been there, seen it and done it. It was good. His first 90 minutes. So that was one pleasing aspect.”