Hull City confirm Jakirovic as Rosenior replacement

Hull City have appointed Sergej Jakirovic as their new head coach, tasking the Croatian with guiding the club back to the Premier League. The 48-year-old joins after a successful spell at Dinamo Zagreb, where he won three league titles and two domestic cups.

Jakirovic replaces Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed last month despite steady progress. Owner Acun Ilicali has made clear his ambition for immediate promotion, and Jakirovic’s arrival signals a shift in strategy.

Why Jakirovic fits Ilicali's vision

Jakirovic is known for his aggressive, high-pressing style — a stark contrast to Rosenior’s more patient build-up. At Dinamo, his sides averaged 58% possession and pressed 12 times per game in the final third, ranking among Europe's top pressing teams. Hull ranked 14th in the Championship for high turnovers last season, making this a clear tactical upgrade.

Ilicali has backed managers heavily in the transfer market, spending over £15m in the last window. Jakirovic’s track record at Dinamo suggests he can integrate young talents and sell for profit — something crucial under FFP constraints. He handed debuts to six academy players in his final season, including midfielder Luka Stojkovic (now valued at £8m).

Immediate squad and league implications

Hull’s squad is well-suited to Jakirovic’s demands. Full-backs Cyrus Christie and Lewie Coyle offer overlapping width from wing-back positions, while Ozan Tufan can operate as a No. 10. However, central defence remains a concern — the club conceded 60 goals last term, the worst in the top half. Jakirovic must reorganise the backline quickly if Hull are to challenge for a top-six spot.

In the Championship, the gap to the playoff positions stands at just four points after 10 matches. Hull are ninth, with a game in hand over several rivals. Key upcoming fixtures against Watford and Norwich will define Jakirovic’s start. A minimum of four points from those two would keep automatic promotion hopes alive; anything less risks mid-table drift.

What changes can fans expect?

  • High press and aggressive counter-pressing, reducing opponents' build-up time.
  • Switch to a 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 shape, using full-backs high and wide.
  • Increased focus on set pieces — Dinago scored 14% of their goals from dead-ball situations under Jakirovic.

Jakirovic's first task: fix Hull's away form

Hull won only 5 of 23 away league matches last season, a major factor in missing promotion. Jakirovic's Dinamo side travelled well, losing just twice in 18 matches on the road. Immediate improvement on their travels is essential; Hull face three away games in their next five. If Jakirovic can shore up that record, a playoff push is realistic. If not, Ilicali may again look for a new man by February.

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