'Miracle worker' Silva dismisses Mourinho comparison

The 39-year-old, who guided Olympiakos to last season's Greek title before resigning for personal reasons, said he remained hopeful that rock-bottom Hull could retain their top-flight status.

Silva, who was a surprise choice to replace the sacked Mike Phelan, said Mourinho is a good friend but that was as far as it goes. Mourinho referred to Silva in 2015 as his 'kid friend'.

"I describe myself as Silva. That is my name. You know my name and I'm happy to stay here," Silva said at his first press conference since being appointed on Thursday.

"I'll try to do my job and give my best for the club to improve this team.

"Mourinho is a fantastic person first and foremost. As a coach we know what he has won in his career.

"As a friend also he's fantastic and Portuguese people are proud for the Portuguese coaches and for what he has done before."

Silva, whose first match in charge will be Saturday's FA Cup third round tie with fellow Premier League strugglers Swansea, said he believed he could keep them up.     

"If I don't believe it I would not say it," he said. "I know many, many people to talk about the Premier League and they say you need a lot of luck, you need a miracle to remain in the Premier League.

"It's normal to say this, but sometimes they happen the miracles. Maybe in May the miracle will happen. We'll see."

Silva, who made his name as a coach when he took unfashionable Portuguese club Estoril up to the top division and eventually to a Europa League spot, admitted new players were needed to bolster a small squad.

Steve Bruce had walked out shortly before the start of the season because he was upset at the lack of new arrivals after they gained promotion. 

"The owners know and I know what we need, but I will only speak about these players when they are with the club," said Silva.

"We'll try to find solutions to try and improve the team. Of course I have targets, but it's not the moment to talk about this, it's the moment to talk about the game tomorrow.

"When these players come, when we find the solutions, if it's possible, of course we'll talk about this."