SERGEJ Jakirovic believes that Hull City's next Premier League appointment at Chelsea is their toughest challenge yet as they aim to extend their magnificent unbeaten top-flight start into a fourth game in 2026-27.
The Tigers head to Stamford Bridge on the back of victories over Manchester United and Coventry City and a draw with Aston Villa. They are yet to concede a goal at league level so far this term.
Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic ahead of the Carabao Cup third round match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland. Picture date: Tuesday September 8, 2026.placeholder image
Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic ahead of the Carabao Cup third round match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland. Picture date: Tuesday September 8, 2026.
On whether this weekend's game in West London is their hardest assignment yet, Jakirovic added: "Maybe, yes. We can say Man Utd, but it is the first game.
"Chelsea showed already against Arsenal that they can play an equal game. For me, they will be in the top four 100 per cent because they have this quality."
Brooke Norton Cuffy (Image: Simone Arveda/Getty Images)placeholder image
Brooke Norton Cuffy (Image: Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Asked whether he had a plan to stop Chelsea's array of attacking talent, he quipped: "To kick them! If you are there in the man marking, you don't have a chance.
"It is very simple because they are capable to pass (get past) one, two, three players together. A compact team effort (is needed) and defending as a team.
"They have very big individual quality. It will be very demanding for us. We will see.
"It is a great challenge ahead of us and we will try to play well."
Jakirovic reports no fresh injury issues from the midweek EFL Cup tie at Sunderland.
He continued: "Still (Hidemasa) Morita and Charlie Hughes (out). I think that's it.
"Cuffy (Brooke Norton-Cuffy) is fine after the scan. Paddy McNair is fine.
"There's a few (minor) problems after the Sunderland game, but nothing special. They will be available for the game."
Meanwhile, Jakirovic says he expects confirmation regarding contract extensions for his backroom members to arrive very soon, after he and a number of established senior players penned fresh terms recently.
He continued: "Everything is going well there. They will sign today or tomorrow.
"Everything is prepared. We are very happy, of course. We are doing our job.
"No matter if you extend the contract or you stay with the old contract, we are doing our job. We are professionals.
"It's our job. Now we can have even more (confidence). We can be concentrated on our job in the future."