'We have to continue like this' - Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic encouraged despite loss to Arsenal
Sergej Jakirovic has spoken following Hull City’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League
Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic insisted his side are “still growing” following their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.
The Tigers have not won a Premier League game since late August, but did put up a fight against the heavily-fancied Gunners.
Martin Odegaard struck with 18 minutes of the tight encounte remaining, tucking in the rebound after Tigers keeper Konstantinos Tzolakis could only parry Noni Madueke’s drive.
Jakirovic conceded Hull have lessons to learn - but is still “very pleased”.
Sergej Jakirovic’s verdict
He told Match of the Day: “We need to take lessons. I think this team is still growing. It is a very, very big experience for us to compete at this level and especially against Arsenal.
“We have to continue like this and to fight. We tried to press them and push them forward. They were trying to play short passes. It isn't easy because you spend a lot of energy and every player for them can pass you.
“I am very pleased. We have to continue, every game for us is a big lesson. It was bad fortune [for the goal]. Maybe we could stop the second ball for their goal.
“Sometimes I feel sorry because we had three home games and we had the lead and maybe could be more clever in these situations but it is all experience. We have to do everything in the next games to reach at least one win.”
Mikel Arteta reacts
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, said: “I’m delighted with the win because to go to the international break after winning is one of the best things for a coach or for a player.
“I think regarding the performance we were the better team. I think we had enough chances and situations to make the scoreline much bigger.
“We weren’t efficient enough to do that and then we have to rely on generating volume, generating a lot of situations in and around the box until we are able to break them down.
“This is exactly how we won the game and Martin, the way he scores is not the most beautiful one but the most effective one, which is a simple shot and then following the next action, and that was enough today to win again.”