New Hull City manager Leonard Slutsky has admitted his side were not at the races in the opening fifteen minutes of his debut match in charge in the Tigers, which saw them go 1-0 down through a Gabby Agbonlahor goal, but praised their character in responding and clawing back a 1-1 draw, as per the Birmingham Mail. 

Slutsky's side recovered the situation, and secured a draw thanks to a volleyed equaliser from Jarrod Bowen, who Steve Bruce, now Villa boss, brought to Hull during his tenure at the KCOM Stadium.

Speaking about the opening stages, former Russia boss Slutsky said, "We didn’t play very well at all in the first 15 minutes. We were very bad in that time and a lot of bad things were going through my head during that time. It was difficult because we have a lot of new players and some young players, and we came up against a very good and very solid team. After the first 15 minutes, it was a great performance and I’m very, very happy."

Slutsky was happy to pay tribute to Villa's part in the side's opening stages, stating, "Credit must go to Aston Villa. Yes we looked a little nervous, but Aston Villa were very aggressive and played well. The atmosphere of the stadium played a part in their positive start - it was like they had another two players! The first 15 minutes were very bad but the pleasing thing is that we recovered."

The Verdict: 

Having seen so many senior players sold off from under his nose this summer, Slutsky has had to beg, borrow and steal the side that he is putting together to take on the Championship.

Therefore, it is more than understandable that they made a shaky start, especially as Villa set about laying down a marker in a season they hope will end in a return to the Premier League.

Tigers fans should be heartened by how well their side responded, showing signs that their new-look side can confound expectations this season, especially under Slutsky's watchful eye.

Hull fans - what did you make of the opening stages yesterday? Were you impressed by your side's response? Let us know in the comments below...