‘We should change our shirts’: Shota’s fun plan to beat home form hoodoo
Shota Arveladze. Picture credit: Hull City
By Simon Bristow
Hull City boss Shota Arveladze has joked the club should consider changing their shirts to help cast off their home form hoodoo.
The Tigers head into a key clash with Cardiff City at the MKM Stadium on Good Friday, knowing a win would all but guarantee their survival in the Sky Bet Championship.
They go into the game on the back of a fine 1-0 at Middlesbrough last time out, but also with the psychological burden of having lost their last six home games.
Asked why there was such a contrast between the home and away form, Arveladze told an online press conference today: “Probably I know what’s going on in the dressing room, and all the dressing rooms look quite similar.
“They all do what they have to do before the game. We talk daily, and every single game, away or home … probably have to change the shirts one time and see how it works.”
City are expecting another bumper crowd, with the ‘Welcome £2 The New Era’ ticket offer still available, meaning guests of members, as well as juniors and seniors, can all get in for £2.
The Tigers boss said it was good for the club to help fans this way, while also praising the loyalty of supporters who follow the club home and away.
He said of the fans: “The away supporters always give us extra energy, and it’s even more special at home. It’s always good [to offer a discount on tickets].”
He added: “I think we’re in a good position. This team wants to get maximum points from each game and that’s the way we want to go on.
“It’s very good to hear that from the boys and makes it a pleasure to work here.”
Midfielder Randell Williams is the only first-team player ruled out through injury, with Arveladze declaring the rest of the squad fit and available for selection.
City are in 20th place in the table, 15 points above the relegation places, with 44 points from 41 matches, and five games to play.
Cardiff are are 17th, with 49 points from 40 games.