Sergej Jakirović savours 'sweet' feeling after Hull City's surge into play-offs as John Egan update issued
Sergej Jakirović reflects on Hull City's win over Norwich City and late surge into Championship play-offs
Hull City manager Sergej Jakirović savoured a “sweet” moment as his side defeated Norwich City to book a place in the Championship play-offs.
The Tigers started the day in seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Wrexham but trailing the Red Dragons on goal difference.
They started slowly against the Canaries and went behind to a Mohamed Toure goal after 26 minutes. However, a brace from the free-scoring Oli McBurnie turned the game on its head and secured a 2-1 win for the hosts.
Wrexham could only manage a 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough, meaning it will be Hull battling Millwall over two legs at the semi-final stage.
The achievement has been made all the more significant by the fact Hull have been shackled by the constraints of a transfer embargo.
Sergej Jakirović hails Hull City achievement
“This is a very, very big achievement,” said Jakirović. “Especially in these circumstances, it’s not easy at all.
“Maybe we missed some opportunities earlier to reach more points. But this is the reason football is so interesting. I will call it sweet. At the end, it’s a big success for the whole club and all the people in the club. To achieve this in my first season is unbelievable for me.”
Acun Ilicali’s pride
The result will have no doubt pleased Hull chairman Acun Ilicali, who hired Jakirović last summer after dismissing Ruben Selles.
“He’s very proud,” said Jakirović. “Mr Chairman is very positive. He believes, all the time, that we have a good team, that we are doing a great job. I saw immediately that he is very emotional, which is good.”
John Egan update
Jakirović also explained the half-time withdrawal of defender John Egan, who made way for Paddy McNair.
“He had problems with his eyes,” said Hull’s boss. “He didn’t see good.
“I didn’t see what happened there. We put Paddy on because I was thinking it would be more on the ball and we have very good set-pieces with Paddy. That was the main goal.”