Hull City head coach Ruben Selles says it’s obvious where the Tigers must improve during the summer, if they’re to make a positive impact on next season. While City finished the season with the best defensive record outside the top nine, it was at the other end of the pitch where they struggled badly which was something that was a concern in the summer.
Just 44 goals were scored in their 46 games, and by virtue of relegated Luton Town scoring three on the final day at West Brom, City finished as the league’s lowest scorers. Joao Pedro finished the season as the club’s top scorer with a measly six goals, his last coming just before he was sent off at Bristol City on March 8, while loanee Joe Gelhardt and winger Abu Kamara notched five apiece.
There were only five occasions in the entire campaign where City scored more than two in a game, and three of those occasions came in the space of one week early in the season. Work will now be stepped up to secure the targets City believe will propel them forward next season, with new head of recruitment Martin Hodge playing a leading role alongside sporting director Jared Dublin.
Despite uncertainty surrounding his position at City, Selles says he has wasted no time in telling Dublin what the squad needs to improve in the top third of the pitch next season.
“If I can take it (his shopping list), I will take it now on the plane and take what I need to him (Dubln),” Selles told Hull Live after the Tigers secured safety on the final day at Portsmouth.
“We need to add goals to the team. I think that’s pretty obvious. If we can add goals with players that can score goals, a couple of players that can support us on that, we will improve. We also need to find a better way to handle those situations (take their chances).”
A lack of pace in the side has also hampered City’s build-up play and ability to break teams down, especially those intent on playing in a low block, like we saw against Luton Town and Derby County. Understandably, Selles says adding some dynamism will also be important.
“We need to add those goals. We need to add set pieces in the team, and we need to continue adding competitiveness and dynamic players,” he added.
What do you think City need to add to their squad? Have your say in the comments below…