Hull City chairman Acun Ilicali has criticised former players Joe Cole and Carlton Cole for mocking the club's survival chances as they prepare for their Premier League return against Manchester United on Saturday.
Joe Cole said on "The Dressing Room" podcast that he deliberately swerved the chance to be a pundit for broadcasters TNT for the Tigers' opening game, and as his co-host laughed uproariously, the former England midfielder insisted: "Hull are gone, man."
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Cole's comments come after another former England star, Michael Owen, recently suggested the club "shouldn't have been promoted," a reference to their distant odds at the start of the last campaign.
Specifically referencing the podcast episode, Ilicali said in a post on X: "It is disappointing to see my beautiful city criticised by people who should know better.
"As a club we are used to being underestimated and we enjoy it, and we enjoyed it more when were promoted last season.
Hull City chairman Acun Ilicali celebrates after the club's win in the Championship playoff final. Visionhaus/Getty Images "The true beauty of a place is in its people, and that's why, for me, Hull is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
"For me, seeing two ex-players making fun of a deservedly promoted club, is more laughable than the things they were laughing at."
TNT Sports has been contacted for comment. It is understood Cole was never scheduled to be a part of the broadcasting team for the United match.
Nevertheless Cole told the podcast: "TNT Sports have contacted me for the new season. They've tried to slip in the Hull one on the first day of the season. I put my phone on 'Do not disturb.'
"They've spent 70 million. I'll be stunned if they stay up. They've come here through the back door, they've slipped in."
Speaking at his first news conference of the new season on Thursday, Tigers boss Sergej Jakirovic insisted his side are itching to prove the pundits wrong.
Jakirovic said: "I saw all these predictions but it is a great motivation to prove them wrong, if it's possible.
"We have to prepare for everything next season. It will not be easy but at least we can fight there. We don't have anything to lose. You play for yourself, and you show your potential on the pitch."