As per the updates by Barry Cooper of Hull Live, Sergej Jakirovic spoke of his excitement for the challenge, aiming to improve on last season’s performance, finishing 21st in the Championship table.

His philosophy is to adapt to players, focus on attacking football, high press, and intensity. Plans to play through the middle to create chances.

At the MKM Stadium to hear from new Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic, alongside Acun Ilicali and sporting director Jared Dublin. #hcafc pic.twitter.com/MBXXtnewnM

— Baz Cooper (@bazdjcooper) June 30, 2025

Regarding issues identified, the team lacked compactness last season, with too much space between lines. Needs more power in midfield and better options across all positions.

The aim is for a top 10 finish in the Championship, adding that hard work, stability, and daily intensity.

The ideal squad size is 24 players plus 3 goalkeepers, with plans to develop young players and strengthen the squad with new signings, particularly for speed and power in midfield.

There working actively going on to bring in new signings, but specifics (e.g., targets) remain confidential.

In regards to the backroom staff, Sergej praised Dean Holden for his defensive expertise and Andy as a key link between the first team and academy.

He says he isn’t feeling the pressure, and shares ambitions with chairman Acun Ilicali for success.

The new manager at the MKM Stadium for the first time. #hcafc pic.twitter.com/0w3L9NYHVQ

— Baz Cooper (@bazdjcooper) June 30, 2025

Keen to add pace and power to the side, which I think we'd all agree with. He highlighted the lack of goals, again, pretty obvious stuff. The challenge will be actually delivering on that with the right players, and getting more out of what he's got in the dressing room. #hcafc

— Baz Cooper (@bazdjcooper) June 30, 2025

Ultimately, #hcafc escaped by the skin of their teeth and on that basis, he's got a big job on this summer and into next season. You sense he knows that based on what he's been saying. No punches pulled or sugarcoating it.

— Baz Cooper (@bazdjcooper) June 30, 2025

Acun Ilicali acknowledged Hull City’s progress but stressed the need for consistent success, with the reason behind choosing Jakirovic down to his successful track record and attacking style seen at Keyserispor, aligning with Ilicali’s vision for entertaining football.

The owner highlighted the importance of this managerial appointment and his increased focus on Hull City, with a top 10 finish as a foundation for further improvement and acknowledged that the fans deserve exciting football, not boring performances.

Regarding transfers, there is progress on Louie Barry’s potential deal with Aston Villa, but it must benefit Hull. Financial Fair Play (FFP) limits require careful spending.

He clarifies club debt is owed to just him, not external parties, and the squad’s future talent valued at £60m.

He reassured fans to stay stress-free and promises a more experienced approach moving forward.

Meanwhile, Jared Dublin (Sporting Director) said there was early transfer window progress being made, but Jakirovic will evaluate the squad before finalising moves.

There is focus on signing the right players at the right time and price with timing critical to avoid squad gaps.

He kept quiet regarding Oli McBurnie, of which they have a close relationship with, Jonjo Shelvey (currently is training with club, and Lewis O’Brien (desired quality, but finances must align).

Emphasises balancing squad needs with players’ personal considerations (e.g., family).

“I’m very happy to be here, this is a big challenge for me and my staff.

“We’ll do everything to be a success with my staff.

“We will get to know each other. Today was the first day. I believe we can improve a lot.

“I’m very comfortable on the pitch. I couldn’t wait for this day. It’s in your blood and I’m very looking forward to improving on last season.

“My philosophy is to adapt to the players. I like to attack. We train how we like to play. We will play through the middle to create a lot of chances. I like high press, I like intensity..

“We need some new players. We had some bad luck last season. Three very good players had ACL injuries, and I hope they will come back. In every line, we need better options.

“There is a lot of space to improve. This team was not very compact. There was too much space between the lines, We need power in midfield. There’s a lot of work.

“I will adapt as soon as possible. We need to stay calm, we need to have stability game-by-game.

“If you have results you are fine. This is football. I’m not under pressure. I know Mr Chairman, and he may not agree, but since our first conversation we have similar ambitions and targets.

“Our target is the top 10, but I believe in myself and my staff. I hope we believe we will be successful. Top 10 and then we will see.

“My first priority is to work hard every day, with intensity.

“As soon as possible (new signings). It’s not that easy. We’re very active in the market. Every day we have conversations. We will try to improve every position.

“24 + 3 goalkeepers when asked about ideal squad size.

“In the past, we have developed a lot of young players. We will do it again here.

“This is a secret (players targeted). I told Jared everything. We need speed and power in the midfield.

“Talking about his backroom staff. Confirming those we’ve already identified. I spoke personally with Dean Holden, he’s a fighter. He’s in charge of the defence.

“Andy’s connection between first team and the academy is important.”

“We have not been bad since we came, but we have not been very successful as a collective. I am not the God, I cannot see the future. I always go from my feelings and the team’s feelings. We want solid success from our coach.

“When you look at Sergej’s career, he’s been very successful.

“What I saw from his team in Keyserispor, I thought that this is the football I want to see.

“We are depending on a success story with a good character. We are a good match.

“It is extremely important I get this appointment right.

“Being in Fenerbahce put extreme pressure on me. I couldn’t put 100 per cent of me in Hull City, but now I will put 200 per cent of me in Hull City. Sergej is the pilot of the plane, and I’m the passenger.

“In life you make mistakes, but you learn from them and improve.

“I am learning. Fans will see the Acun they saw in the first year but with more experience.

“Our first target is top 10. If we can get to top 10 and we will be successful and improve. I know all fans want consistency in the club, but we have to feel from our side that we are on the same track with the manager. Hopefully, everything goes good.

“I spoke to Liam (Rosenior) two days ago and I love him.

“I want attacking football, entertaining football. First results. I don’t want our fans to see two home wins in six month. I feel sad when the fans go home after chanting for two hours. It can happen, but not with boring football.

“I bought this club to make history and see entertaining football.

“We are making progress with Louie Barry. LB deal can only be done if it benefits this club. We spoke three days ago with Louie.

“Villa and our benefits have to match somewhere to get the deal done. I would not say it is done until it is done. Even the medical check here is dangerous. You think here a transfer is done and then two weeks later you see him wearing a different shirt.

“We are playing chess with the financial limits (FFP). The Championship has improved my maths.

“The club owes money but only to me.

“I am surprised it is being reported that the club is in debt. The club is owned by Acun and owes money to Acun.

“If I sell the club, I could not sell it for what I’ve spent. I would lose some money.

“We are spending from my pocket and we are on our limits.

“If you ask me, we have £60m worth of future talent in our squad.

“To the fans, don’t be under stress.”

We’ve hit the targets we wanted to hit early on.

Still very early in the window, we want Sergej to evaluate to the squad. There will be players who want to move on.

It’s about getting the right players at the right time for the right price. We need to hit all three.

On lessons from last year. Timing. We don’t want to go early because we have a hole to fill. It has to be the right one.

The priority is getting the right target.

On McBurnie. Won’t comment on other names.

Does say that he and McBurnie have a close relationship.

Very coy over the situation with McBurnie.

Rarely do we go for players where there’s no other interest.

On Shelvey. We’re looking at adding experience. Jonjo’s CV speaks for itself. We’ll see what happens over time.

At the moment, he’s just training with us.

Coy over comments on Lewis O’Brien, but says that level of quality is what they want but the finances have to be right.

On Zambrano. Expect news in the next few days.

On imminent outgoings, it’s a balancing act. Will comment when the time is right.

Nothing imminent. On people leaving. Ryan Giles rolled his ankle, is not fit.

Giles has the chance to impress. Did not train today.

Mehlem will train and then have chats with the manager

We have to consider his family. These are humans.