City know they need a flurry of new arrivals before the season begins on August 10th. Tim Walter has underlined his desire to see new recruits arrive at Hull City ahead of the new season, but admits that nothing is expected until Tuesday night’s last pre-season home friendly against Italian giants Fiorentina. Walter watched his side struggle hard against Newcastle United on Saturday before losing 2-0 in his debut MKM Stadium game as City manager. Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy scored in the first half to secure victory for Eddie Howe’s Toon Army, despite the fact that City created numerous opportunities but were unable to beat England goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Hughes missed Wigan’s friendly against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday as negotiations about a £5 million deal for the Latics continue, though Walter was characteristically diplomatic when asked about progress behind the scenes. “I’m the wrong person to ask,” the German told Hull Live when asked where items were. “It’s better to ask management because they know more. My duty is to be on the field and attempt to improve my players in the same way that I do, and to bring the style of play and philosophy to them so that they can execute the philosophy. That is what I do.”
“Every time, every time, the phone is never still,” he stated about his incoming discussions with Acun Ilicali and Tan Kesler. “You see me, and I’m positive. I am always cheerful because negativity is pointless. It’s good.”I’m a positive person, so I want to spread that to the players, the club, and the supporters, so it’s OK with me.” When asked about the Tigers’ three targets, Walter played a game of transfer window cat and mouse, refusing to comment on the club’s interest in specific targets. “It’s a good player,” Hughes added. “We can talk about other guys, because this is a terrific player.
“It’s also a good player,” he joked, referring to Millar. “Yes, it’s a good player, but we have more. He is also a good player (McAteer). We have a big list, but as I previously stated, it’s fun. Okay, it’s just a joke because I can’t talk about the players. You can tell me and chat about the players, but I will not respond. Though fresh acquisitions are unlikely to arrive in time for Tuesday night, the German’s outlook for next weekend’s game against Reading was considerably more optimistic, especially considering his hopes for additional new signings prior to the Magpies’ visit.
“It is a brief time. It’s a really short time, so I don’t think so. Yes, yes, yes, yes, for sure,” he added when asked about fresh arrivals by the time the Tigers face the Royals at SCL Stadium.
