Ilicali Slams Pundits’ Mockery of Hull
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Acun Ilicali accused Joe and Carlton Cole of mocking a deservedly promoted club and called their comments more laughable than the criticism they made.
- Joe Cole said he had turned down the chance to cover Hull's opening match and admitted he would be stunned if the club survived relegation.
- Joe Cole suggested Hull had entered the Premier League through the back door despite their last-minute play-off final victory over Middlesbrough in May.
- Hull City are preparing for their first Premier League season since 2017 after only escaping relegation to League One on goal difference in 2025.
- Carlton Cole defended the podcast exchange as banter and said he loved Hull City.
- Sergej Jakirovic described the criticism as motivation, saying his players had nothing to lose and should show their potential on the pitch.
- Hull City have spent £70m on new signings and begin their Premier League campaign against Manchester United on Saturday.
Why it matters: For Hull, the dispute gives the squad a stated source of motivation before its Saturday opener against Manchester United. The club has spent £70m on signings and returns as a side that only escaped League One relegation by goal difference in 2025, underscoring the scale of its task.
Ask SkimNews
