Phelan wants better Hull composure

Hull have to improve their composure in front of goal if they are to get out of relegation trouble according to manager Mike Phelan.

After a strong start to the season, the Tigers have fallen off the pace, and were beaten 1-0 by West Ham on Saturday.

That loss left them at the foot of the table, three points from safety, and the lack of goals is clearly the issue according to Phelan.

Hull have managed just 14 goals from 17 games so far this season, the worst record in the league and a large reason they have struggled so badly for wins.

They are still creating chances however, and according to Phelan the big issue is simply execution when those opportunities come along.

Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

He said: “We have to find that ingredient that earns us wins and points. It’s all about quality and composure at this level.

“At the moment, we seem excited when we’re in front of goal and when you’re like that you’re probably not composed and in control.

“Our finishing needs to be brighter, it needs to be sharper. It’s not for the want of trying.

“We didn’t score (against West Ham) – that is the bottom line.

“I was really pleased with every other aspect of our game. We were solid, our shape was good, our determination and character for the fight was good but it all came down to those small margins.

“When you get the opportunities we had and don’t take them at this level, you’re always one mistake away from losing the game.

“We’ve come away from home, played exceptionally well and deserved more from the game, but we’ve gone away with no points to show.”