Hull return to the top flight
Hull City are back in the Premier League. Their return has surprised many observers. A home match with Manchester United awaits. It will be played on Saturday.
The Tigers have not faced top-flight football since 2017. Now, a new challenge is beginning.
Promotion was earned the hard way
Hull’s promotion came against expectations. The club had narrowly avoided relegation. A drop to League One had been possible. Instead, a remarkable turnaround was produced. Millwall were beaten in the semi-finals. Middlesbrough were then faced at Wembley.
A late Oli McBurnie goal settled the final. Hull were promoted with a 1-0 victory.
Doubts have followed the rise
Few pundits expect Hull to survive. Joe Cole has been among the doubters.
“ Hull are gone, man,” Cole said.
He also questioned their promotion route. Michael Owen has also expressed doubts. He recently suggested Hull should not have gone up.
Such comments have added pressure. But they have also been welcomed by Jakirovic.
Jakirovic welcomes the challenge
The Hull manager has seen the predictions. They have been turned into motivation.
“I saw all these predictions,” he said. “But it is a great motivation to prove them wrong.”
The task ahead is clearly understood. Premier League survival will not be easy. But Hull will not be expected to sit back.
“We don’t have anything to lose,” Jakirovic said.
Players will be urged to show their ability.
A difficult opening awaits
Manchester United will provide the first test. The fixture will offer an immediate measure. Hull will face a club with greater resources. The gap between the teams will be tested. Yet Jakirovic remains confident.
“We have to prepare for everything,” he said. “It will not be easy.”
For Hull, the objective is simple. The doubters are being given an answer. And that answer must come on the pitch.
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