The Tigers face their biggest challenge yet on Saturday
Sergej Jakirovic embraces Semi Ajayi after the win over Manchester United
Sergej Jakirovic embraces Semi Ajayi after the win over Manchester United (Image: Greig Cowie/Shutterstock)
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Saturday represents Hull City's toughest task in the Premier League yet, but Sergej Jakirovic believes his side can travel to Chelsea without pressure.
Remarkably, City currently sit ahead of Xabi Alonso's Chelsea in the Premier League table having picked up seven points from their opening three games in the top flight. Unlike Chelsea, who have shipped seven goals so far, the Tigers haven't conceded yet and that's a major reason why Sergej Jakirovic has been named the league's manager of the month for August.
That start puts Jakirovic's team in a comfortable position and they can make the trip to west London without feeling the pressure to get something.
However, that doesn't make it a free hit and City will be doing all they can to get the win they need to claim another huge top flight scalp.
"Every game is a new challenge and we will try to play even better," Jakirovic said. "I expect every game that we grow there and it's a great experience for us also.
"Now we have three games behind us but still we can play better. We can improve a lot of things like in moments of play.
"We will see, but no pressure. We have seven points, which is good. We didn't concede, which is excellent. I also know a lot of teams will be very motivated to score against us which is normal.
"It's just about tactical discipline that no matter what goes on on the pitch, we keep our focus. We have a tactical plan and we will try to show this on the pitch."
Addressing the size of the challenge that awaits City at Stamford Bridge, Jakirovic added: "If you are man marking, you don't have a chance.
"It's very simple because they are capable of passing one, two, three players. Together, a compact team, a team effort and defending as a team. We will see but they have very big individual quality and it will be very demanding for us but we will see. It's a great challenge and we will try to play good.
"Chelsea showed against Arsenal they can play equal game. For me they will be in the top four 100 per cent, because they have this quality."