Marco Silva hints at Hull exit as he eyes Premier League stay

Marco Silva would prefer to stay in England but has hinted he may leave relegated Hull for the sake of his career.

The ambitious Portuguese has enhanced his managerial reputation during a four-and-a-half-month spell in charge of the Tigers, despite being unable to prevent them dropping out of the Premier League.

He has been linked with a move away from the KCOM Stadium and is expected to announce a decision on his future after City finish the season at home to second-placed Tottenham on Sunday.

“My past clubs I worked at, I tried always to improve my career,” Silva said. “To improve my goals as well, our goals as staff.

“Of course it was a big challenge to us when we came here to the Premier League – to try to remain the club in the Premier League. We took a big risk when we took the decision but we tried to do our best.

“Now I need to see what is the best solution for us as well. But first we need to respect the club.”

Silva was a surprise appointment when he replaced Mike Phelan in January.

He was virtually unknown in England but quickly earned praise following an upturn in the struggling Tigers’ form, including a draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford and a impressive victory over high-flying Liverpool.

The 39-year-old, whose short-term contract expires at the end of the season, is enjoying managing in this country and hopes to remain here.

“When I came to work in England it’s one goal I had in my career and I came here not to come and to go again,” said Silva, who has previously managed in his homeland and Greece.

“Since I came, I work hard but I’m happy. I work happy every day. I’m really enjoying the club, the persons, the fans and what they give to us is amazing.

“My ambition is always to improve. I try to improve every day. Now is the moment to analyse and we will see.”

Despite being unable to beat the drop, Silva has developed a positive relationship with Hull’s fans.

City supporters continued to sing the manager’s name after last weekend’s 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace condemned them to the second-tier next term – something Silva said would not have happened abroad.

“It’s not normal because we didn’t achieve our goal,” he said. “I think they understand when they look and analyse. They know we work hard in the club and it’s easy for them to see the team improve.

“It’s not easy to see something in the other countries like that.

“Since I started my career, my relationship with the supporters at the clubs I worked at before was very, very, very good.”