Hull Owner Explains Why He Fired Manager Liam Rosenior

Hull City's owner, Acun Ilicali, said he fired manager Liam Rosenior because he wanted the team to play a more exciting, attacking game. He said he does not care as much about keeping the other team from scoring goals.
By Newsroom | Football, England |

Hull City's owner, Acun Ilicali, has detailed his reasoning behind the dismissal of former manager Liam Rosenior, stating a preference for a more attacking brand of football and a disregard for defensive solidity as a primary objective. Ilicali explicitly communicated that the team's approach to achieving promotion was not aligned with his vision, even if it meant reaching the Premier League. This stance has generated varied reactions among the club's supporters.

A raucous 24 hours with Hull City owner ACUN ILICALI: 'I didn't want to go to the Premier League with Liam Rosenior's style of football... I don't care about clean sheets. In Turkey we don't even have a word for clean sheets!' - 1

"I didn't want to go to the Premier League with Liam Rosenior's style of football… I don't care about clean sheets. In Turkey we don't even have a word for clean sheets!" - Acun Ilicali

Shifting Management Philosophies

Acun Ilicali took ownership of Hull City in January 2022. Since then, the club has seen several managerial changes. Ilicali's decisions have been driven by a desire for success and a specific style of play, which he believes is crucial for the club's advancement. This approach has led to the dismissal of managers such as Grant McCann, Shota Arveladze, and most recently, Liam Rosenior.

Read More: Tottenham Fires Manager Thomas Frank as Team Faces Relegation Risk

A raucous 24 hours with Hull City owner ACUN ILICALI: 'I didn't want to go to the Premier League with Liam Rosenior's style of football... I don't care about clean sheets. In Turkey we don't even have a word for clean sheets!' - 2

  • Ilicali stated he was surprised by Rosenior's reaction to his decision but maintains he has no regrets.

  • He described himself as a "football maniac" who understands the game in detail, now owning a club.

  • While Rosenior led Hull City to a seventh-place finish in the Championship, narrowly missing out on the play-offs, Ilicali found his football "boring."

Fan Sentiment and Club Trajectory

Public perception of Acun Ilicali's ownership at Hull City appears to be divided. While many fans continue to offer strong support, others have expressed growing concerns. This division has become apparent through fan phone-ins and social media discussions.

A raucous 24 hours with Hull City owner ACUN ILICALI: 'I didn't want to go to the Premier League with Liam Rosenior's style of football... I don't care about clean sheets. In Turkey we don't even have a word for clean sheets!' - 3

  • Lifelong fans note a shift in sentiment over the three years since Ilicali's high-profile arrival.

  • Despite potential on-pitch struggles, average attendance figures have shown significant improvement under Ilicali's ownership, signaling a degree of renewed optimism.

  • The club has experienced dramatic highs and lows throughout its history, including multiple spells in the Premier League and periods in League One.

The "Clean Sheet" Doctrine

Ilicali's comments highlight a stark contrast in footballing philosophies, particularly concerning defensive play. His assertion that "In Turkey we don't even have a word for clean sheets!" underscores his prioritization of attacking flair and goal-scoring over defensive austerity.

Read More: Nottingham Forest Looks for New Manager After Firing Sean Dyche

A raucous 24 hours with Hull City owner ACUN ILICALI: 'I didn't want to go to the Premier League with Liam Rosenior's style of football... I don't care about clean sheets. In Turkey we don't even have a word for clean sheets!' - 4

  • This perspective suggests that preventing goals is secondary to creating and scoring them in Ilicali's strategic outlook.

  • He has previously expressed admiration for clubs like Watford, who have achieved promotion, suggesting that even clubs with a high managerial turnover can reach the Premier League.

  • He even drew a parallel to Nottingham Forest, noting their success despite frequent managerial changes, indicating a belief that strategic flexibility can yield significant rewards, such as a place in the Champions League, which he cites as his ultimate dream.

Strategic Vision and Managerial Decisions

Ilicali has articulated a clear vision for Hull City, emphasizing investment in playing personnel and a commitment to driving the club forward. His approach to managerial dismissals is framed not as detrimental but as a necessary aspect of achieving desired outcomes.

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  • He defends his decisions by stating that changing coaches "too much is killing a club?" implying that the right changes are beneficial.

  • Ilicali remains involved in football operations beyond Hull City, serving as vice-president of Fenerbahçe, a Turkish club.

  • Despite the club narrowly avoiding relegation to League One based on goal difference last season, he maintains that his "heart is with Hull this summer and beyond." A Sky Sports documentary crew has been following his activities.

The club is currently navigating an EFL appeal regarding missed payments, adding another layer of complexity to its current operational landscape.

Expert Insights and Club Dynamics

Analyses suggest Acun Ilicali's approach, while unconventional in its dismissal of defensive priorities, is characterized by transparency and a long-term outlook. His engagement with the fanbase through Q&A sessions, where he outlines his plans, has been praised.

  • Ilicali is seen as wise with money and transparent with supporters, indicating a considered financial strategy.

  • His long-term plans for the club are communicated to the fanbase, aiming for clarity rather than vague promises.

  • While on-pitch progress has been slow since his takeover, the club's general atmosphere and profile have improved, attributed to his distinctive ownership style.

There are reports linking Hull City with a move for Antalyaspor manager Emre Belozoglu, a situation Ilicali has stated he would reconsider if fans opposed the appointment, despite his personal belief that the candidate was not racist.

Conclusion and Future Implications

Acun Ilicali's tenure at Hull City is marked by a decisive and distinctive management style, prioritizing a specific, attacking brand of football over traditional defensive metrics. His frank admission of not wanting promotion with Liam Rosenior's style and his dismissal of the importance of "clean sheets" clearly delineate his strategic priorities. While this approach has led to a divided fan sentiment, the owner insists on his commitment to the club's long-term success. The club's financial situation and an ongoing EFL appeal present immediate challenges, yet Ilicali maintains a visible presence and a stated intention to continue investing and improving the team's playing staff. The effectiveness of his vision and its eventual impact on Hull City's trajectory remain subjects of observation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Hull City's owner fire Liam Rosenior?
The owner wanted the team to play a more attacking style of football. He felt the previous style was too boring.
Q: Does the owner think defense is important?
The owner said he does not care about keeping clean sheets. He wants the team to score more goals.
Q: How do fans feel about this?
Some fans support the owner's decisions, but others are worried about the team's direction.
Q: What is the owner's main goal for Hull City?
The owner wants to bring the club success and a style of play that he likes, even if it means changing managers.