Ahead of the new season, Hull City's Turkish owner, Acun Ilıcalı, was interviewed by the Daily Mail, discussing the team's new season goals, transfer strategy, and other topics.
If Hull City are bottom of the Premier League at Christmas, would you consider sacking Tim Walter? Will he still be managing Hull City this time next year?
Yes, I think he will still be here this time next year.
Unexpected things always happen in life, and marriage is the same. You don't necessarily stay together forever. But if failure occurs, it won't be Tim Walter's fault. Perhaps the players are young and inexperienced, or just adapting to the Premier League. If he loses games, I will certainly support him. I won't judge him based on the league standings, but rather consider what else we can do to help him succeed.
Transfer Plan: The next 5 years will be decided in the next two months
Ilıcalı revealed that Hull City has set a budget of approximately £200 million for transfer fees and player wages. The club hopes to upgrade its squad through large-scale recruitment, with an estimated 15 new players joining.
The club's history for the next 5 years will be decided in the next two months. What we are doing is very complicated. If it fails, you will be relegated. If you are not careful enough, you might be left with players you cannot sell. In the worst case, this could bring disaster to the club.
On Delap: I really like him, but I haven't asked Chelsea
Hull City hopes to re-sign Delap, who was on loan with the team two years ago, but Ilıcalı admitted that the deal would be difficult. If Chelsea were willing to let Delap return to Hull City, the player's salary demands would be twice the team's average wage.
We love him, and I hope he loves us too. But this season, I haven't even asked Chelsea.
Transfer Strategy: Looking for players who dream of playing in the Premier League
A good, experienced player who has succeeded in the Premier League will have four or five choices. Why would he choose a team that everyone thinks will be relegated?
It's easy to say 'bring in Premier League players and then avoid relegation', but the players Premier League teams are willing to sell are often not the best ones. Manchester United and Manchester City will get those top players, but they won't come to us.
Compared to signing Premier League players whose careers are past their peak, I would rather choose those who dream of playing in the Premier League.
On external predictions
It's not just some people who think we will be relegated, but most predictions do. It was the same last year, 80% of football people in England thought we would be relegated from the Championship. I hope to become an analyst one day so I can see what that job feels like. To those who doubt us, I want to say: come here and see us first.
When asked which promoted team he would like to emulate, Ilıcalı jokingly mentioned Leicester City, who won the Premier League 10 years ago.
That's the best model! But seriously, I would choose Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion. They have both achieved sustainable development in the Premier League and remained competitive. (If) we avoid relegation this year, it will be like being promoted to the Premier League again. If we stay up, people might say: Hull City can compete for the top ten. By then, we can sign star players.
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