Hull City, like many other teams, have undergone a significant transformation since last season. Following the departure of Ruben Selles, who now finds himself at Sheffield United, Bosnian Sergej Jakirovic is the new man in the dugout at the MKM Stadium.
Jakirovic will be a new face to many, having previously managed in Croatia, Slovenia, his native Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey.
Embed from Getty ImagesLast season, the 48-year-old guided Kayserispor to safety, finishing 13th in the Turkish Super Lig. This led Hull to agree a settlement with the club for his signature, and he will now look to improve on what was a disappointing campaign for the Tigers last season. Hull left it until the final day and only survived on goal difference.
There will be much focus placed on Jakirovic, with questions inevitably being asked about his lack of experience in English and the other top four leagues in European football.
Despite this, he has achieved success in his managerial career, winning the leagues in Bosnia and Croatia with Zrinjski Mostar and Dinamo Zagreb, respectively. During his time with Zrinjski Mostar, Jakirovic was also named Bosnian Premier League Manager of the Season.
Embed from Getty ImagesPossibly the biggest success of his career was guiding Dinamo Zagreb to the group stage of the Champions League last season, where they narrowly missed out on reaching the knockout rounds on goal difference.
Along the way, they recorded a memorable victory over AC Milan. However, they were dismantled by Bayern Munich in a 9-2 defeat, the heaviest in their history.
As for his style of play, Jakirovic has often adopted a counter-attacking style of football, with his sides being fast and effective in transition.
It is believed that Jakirovic will place an emphasis on addressing the defensive issues at Hull, in an attempt to make them more physical and organised.
Embed from Getty ImagesThere has also already been much change on the field, with many incomings and outgoings. Experienced defender Semi Ajayi has been brought in from West Bromwich Albion, as well as goalkeeper Dillon Phillips from Rotherham United.
Departing the club, Xavier Simons has completed a permanent move to Bolton Wanderers, and Anthony Racioppi has joined FC Sion.
The clause in Gustavo Puerta’s contract has been triggered, making him a permanent signing from the 1st July. The Colombian made himself a key figure for the Tigers last season, having joined on loan from Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite having initially exercised his contract extension for another season, João Pedro has had his contract cancelled by the club by mutual consent.
Embed from Getty ImagesAccording to Hull Live, the transfer strategy for the summer involves strengthening in a number of areas. The report claims that Jakirovic will look to bring in another five signings to bolster the chances of pushing towards the top end of the table.
From the club, they feel there is a necessity to add quality in the attacking areas, especially after ending last season as the lowest scorers in the Championship.
Reports from Hull Live also suggest that the club are working to sign Oli McBurnie, after he was made a free agent with his contract at Las Palmas coming to an end.
The Scottish international is no stranger to the Championship, where he has been a proven goal scorer for Swansea City and Sheffield United.
Embed from Getty ImagesHull will begin the campaign with a trip to playoff semi-finalists Coventry City. The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports and will be a 12:30 kickoff. Jakirovic’s first game at the MKM Stadium will be the following week, where his side will welcome Oxford United.
The Boxing Day fixture will be a delight to the ears of Hull fans, with a visit to Hillsborough to take on Sheffield Wednesday.
Hull City will be determined to improve on the disappointment of last season and will be pushing to challenge for a place in the playoffs. It is important to remember that two seasons ago, Liam Rosenior was sacked after finishing three points and one place off the playoffs.
The same standards will likely be held for Jakirovic.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Callum Pawley
INMR FOOTBALL 
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