Sergej Jakirovic defends state of Hull City pitch as Coventry City boss Frank Lampard takes aim
Coventry City boss Frank Lampard took aim at the state of Hull City’s pitch - but it was defended by Tigers manager Sergej Jakirovic.
The Sky Blues visited the MKM Stadium last night (April 6), keen on extending their lead at the top of the Championship table.
They enjoyed the lion’s share of possession but could not get the better of Hull, who battled their way to a goalless draw.
Post-match, Lampard claimed the surface at Hull’s home was “really difficult” to play on. It is a pitch that sees a lot of action as it is shared between the Tigers and rugby league outfit Hull FC.
Frank Lampard criticises Hull City’s pitch
Lampard said: “The pitch here is really difficult to play on, really difficult to play well on. They’re used to handling it, I guess. I’m not making excuses for that, it was a fair point for both teams.
“Bits of it were cutting up. Soft, bare. It’s worse on it than what it looks like, I walked on it at the end.
“It’s not a critique of Hull because I’m sure their manager wants a better pitch because they’ve got good players but it’s difficult to handle. It can just affect the nature of the game.”
Surface defended by Hull City boss
Jakirovic, however, is of the belief the pitch is in the best condition it has been in since August. The 49-year-old also suggested neater surfaces could await Coventry in the Premier League.
He said: “This is the best condition of the pitch since August. I think pitch was okay. In the Premier League, they will have better pitches.
“I think we played a very good game. Maybe there was a lack of better decisions in the last third. We can be more calm in the box and around the box.
“I’m very satisfied because we didn’t allow anything to them, which is great because they are the best team in the league and they will go to the Premier League.”
Hull City’s performance
Regarding his side’s performance, the Hull boss said: “I think we played a very good game. Maybe there was a lack of better decisions in the last third. We can be more calm in the box and around the box.
“I’m very satisfied because we didn’t allow anything to them, which is great because they are the best team in the league and they will go to the Premier League.”