Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic has revealed that owner Acun Ilicali told him he would be at the club for 10 years, despite arriving amid a transfer embargo and low expectations.
The Bosnian manager has spoken candidly about his life, philosophy, and ambitions in English football, outlining how his turbulent past and fearless mentality are shaping Hull’s rise in the Championship.
What Happened and Why It Matters
Jakirovic, appointed during a chaotic summer that saw the Tigers hit with a transfer ban for late payments, insists he thrives on challenges and chaos. Having survived managing in war-torn conditions and a financial crisis at Turkish side Kayserispor, the 47-year-old says he is driven by discomfort rather than comfort.
“I always take a risk,” he said. “I don’t like to be in my comfort zone, when you get out of your comfort zone good things happen.”
The embargo, announced just days after his arrival, limited Hull to free transfers and loans, yet Jakirovic has built momentum quickly. The club, tipped for relegation in pre-season, reached the international break in strong form after a spirited win over Sheffield United.
Among his recruits, striker Oli McBurnie has stood out with 7 goals already this season after signing a three-year deal. The boss insists Hull’s success is built on intensity, rapid transitions, and his mantra that the side must “never surrender.”
“Modern football is all about transitions,” he explained. “When we get the ball, a fast transition to attack. If we lose it, react quickly. Maybe a foul, but stop them.”
Reaction, Impact, and What Comes Next
Inside the Cottingham training ground, Jakirovic’s methods have already transformed the atmosphere. Sessions are built around small-sided attack-versus-defence drills designed to sharpen reactions and ensure the “goal is always in front of them.”
The former Bosnia and Herzegovina international, who earned 5 caps for his country, says Hull’s players must toughen up to match his uncompromising style.
“This group is fantastic,” he said. “But in games, sometimes you need them to be bastards! It’s not about personality, it’s about wanting to win.”
Jakirovic has also embraced English football’s physicality, jokingly describing the Championship as “rugby,” but praising referees for letting the game flow. His early rapport with opposition managers, including Chris Wilder, reflects his adaptable nature and appreciation for the league’s traditions.
Hull City boss Sergej Jakirović is among the candidates to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Beşiktaş following their exit from Europe, according to Index.
Jakirović impressed at Turkish side Kayserispor before moving to England.#Jakirović #Beşiktaş #HullCity pic.twitter.com/hJsNlZg8xA
— Croatian Football (@CroatiaFooty) August 29, 2025
The Hull boss’s resilience is rooted in his youth. Growing up in Mostar, he lived through air raids during the Bosnian War, experiences he says shaped his outlook on life and football. That grounding, he believes, is why Ilicali’s faith means so much.
“When I spoke to the owner, I told him everywhere I go I stay for one or two years. But he told me, ‘Don’t worry, you will be here with me for 10 years!’ That would be nice,” he revealed.
As Hull’s revival gathers pace, that 10-year promise might sound bold, but under Jakirovic’s leadership, few would bet against him defying expectations once again.
