Hull have had a dream start to life back in the Premier League, currently unbeaten without conceding.
It must feel like a dream after so many wrote you off?
It feels like a dream but we knew we had it in us — despite whatever every other content creator and pundit tried saying about us.
We know our strengths, we know how together the squad is and good the manager is. We were always capable of bloodying some noses this season, so long may it continue.
The man behind it all is Sergej Jakirovic, who is coaching
in England for the first time with Hull.
What makes him such an effective manager?
He’s a proactive manager who’s superb tactically.
Many managers nowadays are obsessed with playing “their way” and won’t change even if it’s clearly not working. Sergej is the opposite.
He’s fits his system around his own players strengths and chooses the tactics and team formation based on what’s giving us the best chance of winning against that specific team.
He’s a breath of fresh air and inspires confidence in the players.
Hull’s backline is largely made up of seasoned Championship defenders.
What makes your side so difficult to break down?
These defenders also have experience in the Premier League but it’s true that they’ve perhaps seen this as another bite of the Premier League cherry after it looked like their careers might be starting to dwindle a tad.
John Egan, Semi Ajayi and Ryan Giles especially have stepped up massively and having already played this system last season and played it together, there’s an existing cohesion and understanding that leads to these rugged and determined performances.
Hull were incredibly active in the transfer window.
Which of your signings have impressed you most so far?
Eighteen new players! But we certainly needed it after assembling a squad of freebies last season. The most impressive for me has been the goalkeeper, Konstantinos Tzolakis. He’s been absolutely superb and looks world class.
He shouldn’t be at a club like ours — he should be at a top Champions League side.
He commands his area well, claims crosses, immense shot stopping and has good distribution. He looks so calm and it’s like he’s been three years already!
From the players who stepped up from the Championship, which of those have adapted best to the Premier League so far?
I’ve been most impressed with Egan and Regan Slater.
They’ve come back absolutely determined to prove that they’re Premier League quality and look undroppable at the moment.
It’s credit to them that they look so accomplished at this level and well deserved their new contracts.
Hull have a range of ex-Sunderland players in Joe Gelhardt, John Egan and Paddy McNair.
How would their summarise their tenures at Hull?
Gelhardt has been superb for us.
He was here on loan and helped save us from relegation to League One, came back last season and was crucial in helping us get promoted and clearly loves it here. We’re so happy he’s here permanently.
Egan has been similar to Joffy. Joined to help keep us up then played a big part in getting us up. Top professional and proper old-school centre half.
McNair hasn’t been here long and has been more of a backup option when needed and cover for the back four places but whenever he’s been called upon, he’s been a steady performer. Reliable cover.
It’s likely that Sunderland will make wholesale changes.
Do you think Jakirović will follow suit or look to continue your momentum?
I think we’ll make a lot of changes to try and give some of the new signings and fringe players some much needed minutes similar to how did in the previous round against Stoke.
Getting minutes into the new lads will be vital in prepping them to contribute to the Premier League squad and it helps Sergej identify who could be in with a shout of starting next time out.
What style of play can we expect to encounter, and who do you think will start?
I think it’ll be a similar style to how we’ve been playing but perhaps four at the back in more of a 4-3-3.
We’ll be happy to let Sunderland have the ball and look to utilise our pace in transition and exploit the space.
GK: Dillon Phillips
RB: Brooke Norton-Cuffy
CB: Lucas Herrington and John Egan
LB: Matt Targett
CM: Jens Hjerto-Dahl, Christos Mousakitis, Lucas Gourna-Douath
RW: Mohamed-Ali Cho
ST: Robinio Vaz
LW: Sorba Thomas
Hull were victorious on their last visit to the Stadium of Light.
Which club do you think is heading into the next round?
I’m fully confident that we can come away with a win again.
We’re the typical “we should beat these” kind of teams and people ignore how solid we are and how difficult we are to break down. I think Sergej will fancy a cup run being a Premier League side.
We like to frustrate, we’re very physical and want to lure you high up the pitch so we can run in behind and cause damage. I’m going to say Sunderland 1-2 Hull City.
