Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic has joked that his side may have to “kick” Chelsea to stop Xabi Alonso’s attack on Saturday.
The promoted Tigers travel to Stamford Bridge having made an excellent start to life back in the Premier League.
However, Jakirovic is well aware of the attacking threat awaiting his unbeaten side.
When asked how Hull could stop Chelsea’s dangerous forwards, Jakirovic initially joked to Sky Sports that the answer was to “kick them”.
He quickly followed that with a much more serious assessment of Alonso’s team.
“You have no chance” trying to defend Chelsea man-to-man, the Hull boss explained, because their attackers can beat several opponents individually.
Instead, Jakirovic believes Hull will need to remain compact and defend collectively at Stamford Bridge.
Hull’s boss says they will kick Palmer and co as a way to stop them! 😭 pic.twitter.com/4Yhp25btpZ
— ChelseaReport (@chelsreport_) September 10, 2026
Hull wary of Chelsea attacking quality
The warning comes after Chelsea produced another extraordinary attacking performance against Leeds United.
Alonso’s side recovered from two goals down to win 6-3 in the Carabao Cup, with Cole Palmer scoring twice after his introduction.
ReadChelsea’s report from the nine-goal cup tie showed how Palmer and Morgan Rogers completely changed the contest after Alonso made four substitutions.
Rogers was particularly influential.
The summer signing produced three assists in just 45 minutes, and ReadChelsea has already looked at why his Leeds performance underlined his growing importance.
Jakirovic knows Hull cannot afford to give those players the same space.
His side have yet to concede in the Premier League this season after keeping clean sheets against Manchester United, Coventry City and Aston Villa.
That record will face its toughest examination yet at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have scored 16 goals in their opening five competitive matches, while Hull are the only Premier League side yet to concede this season.
Something will have to give on Saturday.
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