Larsson says managers pay the price for failings of the players

IF Seb Larsson could have a specialist subject on TV’S Mastermind, it would probably be how to deal with the upheaval that follows the departure of a manager.

The veteran midfielder played under seven in six turbulent years at Sunderland and is already on to his second inside four months since joining Hull after Nigel Adkins (above) became the Tigers’ third boss of 2017.

Laid-back Larsson is usually diplomacy personified so it’s clear there’s been plenty of soul-searching in the dressing room following the departure of Leonid Slutsky after less than half a season in charge.

The 32-year-old gave a brutal appraisal of the reasons behind the demise of the avuncular Russian.

“It’s always difficult when a manager loses his job,” the Sweden international said.

“Let’s be honest, it’s because of the players and that’s not a nice thing.

“I feel for Leonid massively but, as footballers, you have to move on and adapt.

“Our character as players has been questioned this week, but if you’re not picking up points that’s going to happen because it’s down to the players and no one else.

“The new manager has come in and has been very positive. He’s not had time to get many things across at this stage so has just stressed the need to show character, which I think we did today.”

Adkins, who continues to exude his trademark positivity, says he is relishing the task after ending an 18-month spell out of the game by accepting the challenge of trying to guide Hull away from the relegation zone.

“It’s been a whirlwind few days but I’ve loved it and it’s great to be back in the dugout,” the ex-sheffield United and Southampton boss said after becoming Hull’s fifth manager in 17 months. “We know we can’t turn things around overnight but we’ve made a good start and this gives us something to build on.”

Hull showed bags of character to battle back from David Meyer’s own goal to surge into the lead thanks to a thunderbolt from Kamil Grosicki (above), Larsson’s precision free-kick and a power finish from the outstanding Jackson Irvine. Hull continued the damaging habit developed under previous boss Slutksy of conceding late goals courtesy of John Egan’s header.

But at least on this occasion it didn’t cost them any points.

The Tigers showed great resolve to hang on, thanks in no small part to an inspired display from their keeper Allan Mcgregor. It sealed a first win in eight games, and a first home win since September, that leaves them six points above the drop zone.

Brentford, who surely did enough to earn at least a point, slid to only a second defeat in 13 games to dent their play-off hopes.

Skipper Egan said: “We were comfortable for long spells and, after going into the lead, we should have taken control and seen it out.”