United manager Graham Alexander says he’s relishing the chance to face Premier League newcomers Hull City, and stated it’ll be a great challenge for his players.
Speaking to The Iron PlayerHD, Alexander said: “They’re a Premier League team with a lot of internationals and established players, so it’ll be a test for us.“However, I’m really looking forward to the game and I’m sure the supporters are as well, because it’ll be the first time in a while that we’ve played Hull, who are obviously a local rival.
“So we’re really looking forward to it, and hopefully we’ll make a progression from the last game, because that’s what we’re trying to do in each pre-season game. Regardless of the result, we’re just looking for a progression in their performance and fitness levels.”
Despite the quality of opponent which United are coming up against, the Iron boss believes it’s important that the focus is on the hosts.
He stated he wants his squad to finetune their game, and build on the good work which has already been conducted throughout the summer.
“When we get into the season we’ll analyse our opponents, and even then I’ll maintain that it’s about what we do on the day,” he stated.
“I want us to get our performance levels right and get our philosophy of how we want to play nailed down. The players are pretty aware of what we look for, and we go into it like that.”
The clash with City is the first of three in a week for the Iron, as they then take on Rotherham United (Tuesday, 7.45pm kick-off), before finishing up their pre-season campaign with an away fixture at Hartlepool United (next Saturday, 3pm kick-off), and Alexander feels it’s vital that everyone in the squad is pushed to their maximum, so they’re ready in time for the new season.
“We hit them with three games in a week, because that’s League One football - so it gives them an early indication of how to prepare for the upcoming season,” he added.
“Obviously we’ll change the team around to give everyone game time, but obviously the game time will now be extended to 75 and 90 minutes to really get ready for the big kick-off.”
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