Hull City chairman Acun Ilicali insists that manager Sergej Jakirovic’s job is ‘100 per cent safe’ – regardless of how the season panned out.
The Tigers booked a Championship play-off spot on the final day of the season as an Oliver McBurnie double saw them claim a 2-1 win over Norwich, pipping Wrexham to sixth in the process.
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However, it was touch and go for Hull, who headed into their clash with the Canaries on a six-game winless run, which included potentially costly defeats to Sheffield United and Charlton.
Jakirovic’s men face Millwall in the semi-finals of the play-offs, and the winner of the tie will meet Middlesbrough or Southampton at Wembley later this month.
To Hull and back
And ahead of Friday’s first leg welcome of Millwall, Ilicali has revealed he is ‘extremely happy’ with the former Kayserispor boss, whose job isn’t at risk regardless of the outcome of the play-offs.
“Even if he didn’t reach the play-offs, he was 100 per cent safe,” Ilicali told Sam Matterface, Alex Crook and Gabby Agbonlahor on eSPORTY on Friday morning.
“Some people misunderstand me. Results are not the only reason that I make a decision.
“One day before the crucial game [vs Norwich], I had a Q&A with our fans. I wanted it one day before so that everyone understands how we feel about our coach.
“I think our coach is a unique personality, a strong character, and a very nice person. A very good coach.
“One day before the game we were with 300 of our fans and I said to all our fans, ‘Whatever happens, our coach Sergej will be in charge next year,’ there is no doubt about it.
“People think that about Liam [Rosenior], ‘Ah, he was seventh, they send him [away],’ Liam is a fantastic coach, I love him, and he went to good places after us.”
Ilicali added that Jakirovic delivered the style of play he craved, continuing: “But, everybody likes one style of football.
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“You don’t like every style of football. For example, some people like long balls, a rugby style of football, some people like a technical side of football.
“Brazil never play the same way as Iceland. Everybody has their own taste of football.
“I want attacking football. From the first minute I bought the club, I said this. I want attacking football. I want to be entertained and good results together.
“Of course results are very important, we have dreams, but I want to see my players try to put all they can in the attacking side combined with a good defence. Sergej just delivered this.
“I’m very happy with him, extremely happy with him.”
Hull have a decent record against Millwall, but lost their home meeting against the south London side 3-1 back in March.
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However, the Tigers got the better of the Lions at The Den in December as Hull look to return to the Premier League for the first time since the 2016/17 season.
Jeff Stelling, though, is backing Millwall to beat Hull and secure a trip to Wembley for the Championship play-off final.
