The Tigers’ head coach says he’s a fighter and is relishing the upcoming challenge at the MKM Stadium
Sergej Jakirovic admits the transfer window has been tough(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Sergej Jakirovic admits he’s ready for the fight at Hull City as he gets down to business with the squad the club have assembled whilst working under strict transfer conditions during a frantic summer.
City were slapped with a three-window fee restriction just three days after he was introduced as the club’s new head coach at the beginning of the summer, as well as two embargoes that were quickly removed.
For much of the summer, the Tigers’ appeal rumbled on before it was confirmed it had been reduced to two, with the third suspended pending any more indiscretions.
Owing to that, the Tigers have been unable to buy any players so have had to wheel and deal in the free transfer market, and ask for favours from loan clubs, which they’ve managed to do.
In total, the Tigers have signed 13 players and managed to keep hold of key first-team players Ivor Pandur and Charlie Hughes amid strong interest from elsewhere, giving Jakirovic a good blend in his squad, provided they stay fit which remains his biggest concern.
Despite everything they’ve had to contend with, City have still enjoyed a strong window, but Jakirovic admits the whole summer has left him feeling average, though he said he’s relishing the battle ahead, which commences again when the Tigers face Swansea City in South Wales on Saturday week.
“This is the first time in my life I’ve had this situation, this transfer period,” the Croatian boss told Hull Live. “Average,” he said when asked how he felt about the whole situation, which has left many at the club frustrated throughout the summer.
“It’s always the same with my staff. When we come somewhere, we are always fighting with something, always throughout my whole career, but in the end, I will be a winner. Yes (I’m relishing the fight), this is my destiny. This is it.”
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