Statement from Acun Ilıcalı about Hull City: "Our only goal is to stay in the Premier League"

Ilıcalı, who made a statement to the AA reporter after the Aston Villa match they drew 0-0 in the league yesterday, said, "First of all, I am very happy and proud. I am also proud of the children. Really, the most important difference of our team is that they play with heart. I feel this every minute." he said.

Stating that they could not benefit from all the new transfers, Ilıcalı said, "Maybe 10 of them are out, 3-4 of them can play. They are just getting started. The players who went to the Premier League with us are still fighting. It is very interesting, we did not concede a goal in 3 matches in the play-offs, but in 3 very important matches, including the final. Now, we did not concede a goal in 3 matches in the league. 6 official matches. Among the teams we play for, there are every team from Middlesbrough to Manchester United. That is why this is also very big. I think it's a success." he said.

Acun Ilıcalı said about the fact that the last champion Arsenal and Hull City were the only two teams that did not concede a goal in the league, "Yes, but it is too early to talk about these. We are looking at the long term. We worked hard this summer. I managed the transfers together with the team and I think I made the right decisions. I believe very much in my brain team. I think we have built a right team. Our scout team worked hard. They brought the right names, and we chose the right ones among them. And I think our squad is really a young and promising squad." he said.

"Tzolakis is a special player for me"

Explaining that they have been following Greek goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis for a long time, Ilıcalı said, "Obviously, Tzolakis is a special player for me. If you are wondering how I remember him, unfortunately, he saved 3 penalties against Fenerbahçe in the UEFA Conference League. It was painful for me. I have been obsessed with him and have been following him ever since. Erbil Bozkurt is our goalkeeper coach. I believe and trust him very much. He gave 3 names. One was in Spain, one was in Spain. "It was Tzolakis, and one of them was German. I said Tzolakis, and I'm glad I did." he said.

When asked whether his goals have changed after a good start to the league, Ilıcalı said, "Our only goal is to stay in the Premier League. If we can stay, we will be very advantageous next year. Because if we get the same budget again, there will be no need to make 18 transfers from now on. We will be able to bring 5-6 high-level players. That will be a great advantage for us. We have to stay in the league." he replied.

Evaluating the match they will play away against Chelsea next week in the league, Ilıcalı said, "Of course, 1 point would make us very happy. If we get 1 point from there, our entire account is actually valid for this season. In fact, I can say that it is more than enough. 3-4 points are left in our pocket." he said.