Sergej Jakirovic praises Hull City's recruitment team for finding right characters
Sergej Jakirovic admits he did not know all the players Hull City signed for him this summer, but he was delighted with the work his recruitment team did.
Tardiness paying their bills last summer saw the Tigers banned from buying players or even paying loan fees for them in 2025-26.
Yet in an era where money feels more important than ever, they assembled the squad which won the Championship play-offs by blending ability with the character which got them over the line against Middlesbrough.
"It's been a really good job," reflected coach Jakirovic.
"I didn't know all these players, they sent profiles of what is good for my style of football. We choose what is best for our team.
"It's very important, this character, mentality.
"For me sometimes this is most important (thing) – how you play on the pitch, how is your behaviour in the dressing room, how are you in the pressure of competition, how you will react there.
"Sometimes players are angry, they want to play all the time, but I'm always looking for what is best for the team, who can help us.
"Every player is important. It's very important I can give everyone a chance to play, to perform. It depends on your performance how many games you will get."
On Saturday at Wembley, though, goalscorer Oli McBurnie was the most important of all.
"He's truly a leader," said Jakirovic. "He doesn't need to be the captain.
"You see the opponents have fear because they know what he is capable to do."He's a targetman who is struggling a lot with defenders. Sometimes the referees didn't listen to him.
"He has a big influence on our game."