Jakirovic eyes big things with Hull City in the Premier League

Hull City have returned to the Premier League under Sergej Jakirovic. Banners celebrating the club's success hang from lampposts and windows around the city. Speaking to Sky Sports, the head coach said he was proud of the achievement and noted that there will be ups and downs in the Premier League, but that his side has shown it can compete.

Jakirovic, 49, previously won the title with Zrinjski Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the double with Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia. In Turkey, he also pulled Kayserispor out of the relegation zone and saved their season with a form close to the first-half standard. These experiences show that his teams can both push upward and hold their ground.

This season Hull City made a major impact by beating Manchester United 2-0 in their opening match. They followed that with a win away at Coventry and drew with Aston Villa, Chelsea and Everton. Against opponents in their own half, and whenever they lose the ball, the side sets up a compact 5-4-1 shape and advances the ball through quick counter-attacks.

Jakirovic believes his team's fighting approach and discipline are enough. In his view, defeats are not a reason to give up but an opportunity to improve. How long Hull City can sustain this mindset in the coming weeks of the league is something worth watching.