Hull City are nearing the end of their week-long training camp in Riva, at the home of the Turkish Football Federation for a third year on the spin.
The Tigers head back to England on Sunday afternoon after their second and final game of the trip against Shota Arveladze’s Kasimpasa on Saturday night, with Sergej Jakirovic’s side looking for a second successive win in Turkey after beating Istanbulspor on Tuesday.
Here, Hull Live looks back at the final weekday in camp on the banks of the Black Sea….
Final touches
Friday was the last training session of a busy week for the Tigers players as they prepared for Saturday’s game against Kasimpasa at their training ground.
As they have done all week, Sergej Jakirovic scheduled training for the early evening to avoid the midday sun, and it was something the players certainly appreciated.
There was no Alfie Jones, Gustavo Puerta, Steven Alzate, Reda Laalaoui or Lewie Coyle in training, but the rest of the squad enjoyed a good hour in the early evening sunshine.
Stepping it up
Millar and Belloumi were both out on the training pitch and doing their own work. The pair were doing their own programme with and without the ball, and at one point, Millar managed the best part of 90 metres in just over nine seconds, and he looked rapid.
During a shooting drill at the end, Millar had one pop and stuck it in the top corner, much to the amusement of the watching Slater and Crooks. The Canadian was keen to keep going, but the fitness coaches had to hold him back and make sure he didn’t do too much.
Good spirits
One thing that’s been apparent all week has been the good spirits amongst the squad. That was typified towards the end of the session with a shooting drill at both ends of the pitch with the players taking pot shots. Semi Ajayi, Cody Drameh and a pearler from Ryan Giles were particularly eye-catching.
Of course, the week has been full of graft and hard work, but throughout it, Jakirovic has been keen to foster a really positive environment, and it’s shone through.
Keeping Corendon
Having seen major financial backers McVities and Safiport leave in the recent past, striking a deal with Corendon for another two years will come as a welcome boost to the club.
The airline will once again be the shirt sponsor on the club’s home and away strips, as well as having prominence around the MKM Stadium.
“We’re absolutely delighted that our good friends at Corendon Airlines have chosen to extend their partnership with Hull City for another two years,” owner Acun Ilicali said.
“Since joining our family in 2022, they have helped spread the word of Hull City across Türkiye and connected so many of our beautiful fans with my home country, making it possible for hundreds of supporters to travel and make memories following the club that we all love.
“Their unwavering support has been invaluable to our journey, and I couldn’t be more proud and excited that they’ll continue alongside us as we pursue our shared dreams in the years ahead.”
Holden interview
Hull Live sat down with Dean Holden for a wide-ranging interview following his appointment to Sergej Jakirovic’s coaching staff. Holden has been a key figure out in Turkey this week, with his role focusing on the defensive side of the team.
Holden spoke extensively about his move to the MKM Stadium, how it came about and how he nearly joined the Tigers after Tim Walter’s exit.
You’ll be able to listen to what the former Charlton Athletic boss had to say in a special episode of the 1904 Club podcast which will be out soon.
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