Struber want’s his new players to “help us now here and now” as his face side Hull | OneFootball

Gerhard Struber has been speaking to the media ahead of his side’s clash with Hull City this weekend, previewing the fixture and reflecting on his latest signings, Tomi Horvat and Noah Eile.

The Austrian opened by explaining that the new arrivals will “help us in the here and now, but also in the future.”

Speaking specifically about Eile, Struber praised the defender’s ability in possession, describing him as “a really good player, especially in on-ball moments. He can help us really quickly on a good level… we want to help and support him.”

Struber also hinted that both new signings could feature as early as this weekend, depending on how they perform in training. He added that while some players still need time to adapt, the squad is in a positive place.

“We have some players we have to integrate into our principles, and this needs a little bit of time, but we have a very interesting roster right now,” he said.

City lost their all-time leading Championship appearance holder, Zak Vyner, during the winter transfer window, a departure Struber admitted came as a surprise. “I was a little bit surprised that we lost Zak Vyner, but in the end, everyone did their job and was ready for a replacement. With Eile, we have a very interesting player,” he added.

Reflecting on his side’s last outing – a heavy 5-0 home defeat to Derby County – Struber was frank in his assessment.

“What we did just went in a negative direction. Our preparation for this game was not on the normal level, and then of course the game was really bad,” he said, before shifting focus forward. “Now we have Hull in front of us, and that is the focus.”

He also welcomed the closure of the transfer window, admitting recent departures had affected the group.

“I am really happy we have finished the transfer window. We lost a lot of players and sometimes this can affect the energy in the group. They are not only teammates, but they are also friends.”

There was mixed news on the injury front, with Struber confirming that midfielder Max Bird is unlikely to return this weekend.

“It is a little bit too early for Max, but we look towards the FA Cup game and maybe that could be a realistic chance for him to be back on the bench,” he said.

Turning attention to Hull City’s recent form, Struber acknowledged the challenge his side faces.

“The last 15 games, they are on a really, really high level and we have to come at our best on Saturday to pick up points,” he said, also highlighting the competitiveness of the division.

“The Championship is a really competitive, very high-quality league. You have many top teams.”

Hull have collected an impressive 29 points from a possible 33 in their last 11 league matches. Despite last weekend’s setback, Struber believes his side are capable of responding.

“When we are all on the same page, we can create really big problems for them. I have a big belief and a big trust,” he said.

Asked about City’s play-off ambitions, the head coach remained measured: “We know in the Championship how everything can change. We have many games in front of us and we have to do the best that everyone can bring.”

City claimed a 4-2 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season, with Emil Riis scoring twice alongside goals from Anis Mehmeti and Max Bird. A similar result this weekend would significantly strengthen their position in the race for a top-six finish.

The match will take place at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, February 7, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm (UK time).