Gary O'Neil Defends Hull City: 'We're Not PSG' - Ipswich Boss Backs Tigers

Gary O'Neil says Hull City deserve respect as Ipswich prepare for Halloween clash

Ipswich Town manager Gary O'Neil has launched a passionate defence of Hull City, insisting the Tigers' direct style deserves credit ahead of their Premier League meeting at the MKM Stadium on Halloween. O'Neil dismissed suggestions his side should dominate possession, saying "we're not PSG or Man City."

Fixture: Hull City vs Ipswich Town
Venue: MKM Stadium
Date: Halloween
Competition: Premier League
League positions: Hull City two places above Ipswich; both on 10 points from eight games
Key quote: "We're not PSG or Man City" - Gary O'Neil

What was said

"I have a lot of respect for Hull and what they're doing. They have a way that they do it, and I don't think it matters what way that is. They're very, very good at it. You don't get nine games into a season and 46 games through a Championship season getting away with stuff. They have a style that causes teams problems. They've caused almost every team problems. I've watched all of their games now this season, and they've caused every team problems. They're direct, they're hardworking, they win loads of duels. They use (Oli) McBurnie a lot. They defend with a lot of numbers, so it's going to be a tough game. It's a Premier League game. I don't care that they've just been promoted. I don't care that they were promoted through the play-offs. They're in the Premier League. They've signed a lot of players, a lot of good players, and it will be a really tough test for us away from home. The Premier League is tough."
— Gary O'Neil, Ipswich Town manager, on Hull City

"I'm expecting us to go there and perform really, really well and show what we are, but I think trying to make it into a, 'Oh, let's go and showcase how good we are with the ball and let's dominate possession,' I mean, we're not PSG or Man City. We're Ipswich, we're newly promoted. We're gonna go there, we're going to be us. We're going to have a right go at trying to win the football match, put Hull under a lot of pressure, and see if we can come away with another big result."
— Gary O'Neil, on Ipswich's approach

"No one in this league is going to give us a thing, so it honestly doesn't matter whether we're playing Hull or Manchester City. This team is prepped to go and compete, to put in a good performance and to respect the opposition and what they can bring. Anyone that doesn't respect Hull and what they're doing at this moment needs to have a good look at where they are, what they've produced over the last 55 league games. Unbelievable success. That's no fluke. They definitely shouldn't be underestimated by anyone. To talk about them in any way apart from a good Premier League team that are sat in the middle of the league would be doing them a disservice. I think they've started unbelievably well and we respect that. But we also have big belief in what we can do."
— Gary O'Neil, on Hull's achievements

O'Neil's comments are a clear attempt to shield Hull from criticism while also managing expectations around his own side. By highlighting Hull's directness, work rate and duel-winning ability, he signals that Ipswich will not simply try to out-football the Tigers. Instead, he expects a battle and has prepared his team to compete physically and mentally.

The Ipswich boss also used the platform to remind observers that newly promoted clubs deserve respect. His reference to Hull's 55 league games under Sergej Jakirovic underscores a consistent approach that has yielded results, even if it has drawn criticism from some quarters. O'Neil's willingness to praise an opponent so thoroughly is rare and suggests he sees Hull as a direct rival in the battle for Premier League survival.

The numbers

10 points - both Hull City and Ipswich Town have collected from their first eight games
2 places - Hull sit above Ipswich in the Premier League table
9 games - O'Neil notes Hull's current season run without being "found out"
46 games - the length of a Championship season, which Hull navigated successfully last term
55 league games - the period over which O'Neil says Hull have produced "unbelievable success"
Unbeaten at home - Hull have not lost at the MKM Stadium this season

Why O'Neil's defence of Hull is smart management

Gary O'Neil's glowing assessment of Hull City is not just mind games; it is a calculated move to relieve pressure on his own squad. By talking up the Tigers' direct style and physicality, he frames the match as a difficult away trip where anything can happen. This lowers expectations and puts the onus on Hull to break down an Ipswich side that will be organised and hard to beat.

Tactically, O'Neil's mention of Oli McBurnie is telling. Hull's use of a target man is central to their approach, and Ipswich's defenders will need to be strong in the air and quick to second balls. The Ipswich boss also highlighted Hull's tendency to defend with numbers, which suggests he expects a low-block to contend with. Ipswich will need to be patient in possession but also wary of counters.

O'Neil's insistence that Ipswich will "have a right go" indicates he will set up his team to press high and disrupt Hull's rhythm. The key battle will be in midfield, where duels will decide who controls the tempo. If Ipswich can win those duels, they can impose their game; if not, Hull's directness could cause problems. O'Neil's respect for Hull is genuine, but so is his belief that Ipswich can come away with a result.

Talking points

Is O'Neil right to dismiss possession dominance? Ipswich fans may want to see their team impose themselves, but pragmatism could be key to survival.
Hull's direct style has drawn criticism, but results speak louder. Can they sustain this approach against teams that sit deep?
O'Neil's praise for Hull could be a masterstroke in mind games. Will it backfire if Ipswich lose?
Both clubs are on 10 points; this match could be a early-season six-pointer in the relegation battle.

What happens next

Ipswich travel to the MKM Stadium on Halloween for a Premier League clash that could shape both clubs' seasons. A win for either side would lift them clear of the relegation zone and provide valuable momentum. O'Neil's side will be desperate to prove they can compete away from home, while Hull will aim to maintain their unbeaten home record. The result will give an early indication of which newly promoted club is better equipped for the top flight.

Frequently asked questions

What did Gary O'Neil say about Hull City?

O'Neil praised Hull's direct style, work rate and ability to win duels, insisting they deserve respect for their Premier League start and their 55-game success under Sergej Jakirovic.