Hull City defender, Ryan Tafazolli, has stated that just like Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, it will take time for Grant McCann to get his message across.

McCann joined the Tigers over the summer and has picked up just five points in Hull's opening six games.

Tafazolli has worked with the former Doncaster Rovers manager before, when they were both at Peterborough together.

The 27-year-old has hinted that the side is getting better after they picked up a valuable point at Millwall on Saturday and will be hoping that after the international break, the squad can get back to winning ways when they host 22nd placed Wigan Athletic.

Speaking to Hull Live, Tafazolli said: "I’ve worked with the gaffer before and I think the lads are now really buying into how we want to play and (are) taking things on board every day.

“It is not something that is going to happen overnight, we have seen even at the top level, managers like Pep Guardiola, it does take a while for messages to really sink in with players.

"It is all about developing habits. The more and more we do what the manager wants us to do, it becomes natural to us and I think now, we are getting it.

“We are looking like a better and better side each week. Hopefully, we can continue on this path and start picking up points.”

The Verdict

An interesting comparison from the defender but I can see the point that he is clearly trying to make. It will always take time when a new manager comes in, but McCann will really want to be picking up some points after the international break.

The boss will not want to find himself in a relegation battle, especially during his first year in charge. It almost feels like the Tigers' game against Wigan after the international break is already a huge one for both in terms of their seasons.

McCann needs to get the front players firing, and then they'll be fine. Tafazolli is right though, the supporters and players must give the manager time in order to become successful.