Soccer
Sergej Jakirovic expects Hull to ‘grow’ after impressive start to season
Sergej Jakirovic says he would have signed immediately if offered seven points from promoted Hull’s first three matches but still sees room for improvement after the 0-0 draw with rebuilding Aston Villa.
The Championship play-off winners have enjoyed a fantastic Premier League return after nine years away, with a shock victory against Manchester United followed by last weekend’s win at Coventry.
Hull’s fine start continued with Saturday evening’s goalless draw with Villa at the MKM Stadium, where Mohamed Belloumi hit the crossbar as they pushed for a winner against Europa League holders Villa.
“I would sign immediately if you’d offered me (seven points),” boss Jakirovic said of the Tigers’ start. “Immediately.
“But also it’s great for us that we show that we can compete on this level, that we can be dangerous, that we can maybe play some situations better in possession because you need confidence.
“But, still, we are growing here. In every game we will grow and we will be better.”
Hull have yet to concede a Premier League goal and supporters will spend Saturday night with their side second in the standings, nestled between Manchester City and last season’s winners Arsenal.
Asked if defence will be key to keeping teams like City in the top-flight, Jakirovic said: “No, in my opinion, defence is winning titles. Of course, for us, title is stay in the league. 100 per cent.
“Because you will always create some chances. Even today, from around 70 minutes until the 85th minute, we were sitting back, waiting our opportunity, and then on the end we had two excellent chances.
“This is because I’m aware what we can do and how we can play, which profile we have.
“This is, I think, a great recipe for us but also we will try to improve and we have Plan B always.”
Villa counterpart Unai Emery was happy with the chances his side created but frustrated by their lack of ruthlessness in their latest slow start to a campaign.
They failed to win their first five Premier League matches last term and did not score in their first four, with Saturday representing this season’s third top-flight game without a goal or win for the new-look side.
“Definitely we must be patient and we should understand that we are again rebuilding the team,” boss Emery said. “With new players, with players from last year.
“Now they must get to understand our structure, our demands and keeping the same mentality like we built but with different players.
“Some are adapting quick, and other players will need time. The players with experience have responded well.
“I am happy today how Tyrone Mings responded, as well as Ross Barkley for 90 minutes, as well getting more responsibility in (Ian) Maatsen, (Matty) Cash and (Emiliano) Buendia.
“The young players like George (Hemmings) and (Brian) Madjo have been fantastic.
“Now it is time for (Nicolas) Jackson to get progressively get better. Tammy (Abraham)’s attitude is good as well and his wishes to help us.
“But of course we must try to do everything. Until now, we were still being patient, but I should try to identify quickly how we can get stronger with the structure we are building.”
