Why Hull City’s manager was left fuming ahead of opening day clash with Bristol City

Bristol City are now just days away from kicking off their new campaign.

The Robins begin their new season against Hull City on Saturday at the KC Stadium, and there is a quiet optimism.

Nigel Pearson will want significant improvements this season after a disappointing campaign of last, and pre-season has gone pretty well.

City defeated newly promoted Premier League side Bournemouth last time out, bouncing back from a draw with Exeter City.

Those results matter little, though, and the Robins will want to back up their pre-season performances by getting off to a strong start in the Championship this weekend.

And they will face a Hull side who have had a difficult week, as far as pre-season preparations go.

The Tigers lost 3-0 to newly relegated League One outfit Peterborough United.

Hull have beaten Cambridge United and Malaga this summer, but they were beaten heavily by Leicester City 4-0, and they added to that defeat with the slip-up against Posh.

Speaking after the defeat to the League One side, Hull boss Shota Arveladze slammed his side.

“We have to play 90 minutes, we have to go on but it’s not acceptable, it’s definitely not acceptable,” he told Hull Live.

“I can imagine some heavy legs, two games, some of them are not ready but that’s still not acceptable.

“It’s the second time. After 30 seconds we concede a goal, with every player behind the ball, I’m very disappointed. It’s not about one mistake. The body language - it was like a disaster.”

Speaking with the Robins clash in mind, he added: “We have to (fix it). I’m thinking about it, after games it is difficult but I’m thinking.

“The club does everything to show much they can do for the players, this is really tough to stand (here and talk about it).

“I also have to give credit to the opponents as well, but our way of playing (made it easier for them).

“You have to be good physically and mentally. There’s always hard work to do.”

City certainly can’t underestimate Hull, who will want to respond following to their Peterborough defeat.

Ultimately, you can’t read too much into pre-season results, good or bad, but there’s no doubting City will feel they are in a better position than Hull heading into the big first game.