Jakirovic relishes tactical victory as Hull City gain revenge over Middlesbrough and close the gap

Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic was left delighted after his side delivered a disciplined and determined away performance to defeat Middlesbrough 1-0 on Teesside, avenging the heavy defeat they suffered against the same opponents less than a month earlier.

City were beaten 4-1 by Middlesbrough at the MKM Stadium just 24 days ago, but this time the Tigers produced a far more controlled display, earning all three points thanks to an early strike from Darko Gyabi. The goal arrived after just 12 minutes and proved decisive in a tightly contested Championship encounter.

The victory moved Hull to within two points of second-placed Middlesbrough and continued an impressive run of form. Since their defeat to Boro in early December, the Tigers have gone five matches without losing, collecting 13 points from a possible 15 and strengthening their position in the promotion race.

Jakirovic praises response and game plan

Speaking after the match, Jakirovic emphasised the importance of the result, particularly given the quality of the opposition. He described Middlesbrough as one of the strongest teams in the division and admitted that the previous meeting between the sides had provided extra motivation.

Jakirovic explained that the loss at home had been a painful experience, but it also offered an opportunity for his players to show character and prove that result was not a true reflection of their ability. Determined to avoid a repeat, Hull adjusted their approach for the return fixture.

The Tigers altered their system with a specific focus on congesting the midfield, a move designed to limit Middlesbrough’s attacking strengths. Jakirovic noted that Boro often deploy wide players who drift inside alongside two strikers, while midfielder Hayden Hackney poses a constant threat through his movement and passing.

Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic (right) and Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg (centre) on the touchline during the Sky Bet Championship match at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough. Picture: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire.

By closing off central areas and maintaining a compact shape, Hull were able to disrupt their opponents’ rhythm. Jakirovic praised his side’s defensive organisation, discipline, and tactical awareness, stating that they executed the plan exactly as intended.

Making the most of their moment

While much of Hull’s success was built on structure and resilience, Jakirovic also highlighted the importance of taking chances when they arise. The early goal from Gyabi gave City something to protect and allowed them to manage the game on their own terms.

Jakirovic felt his side handled the remainder of the first half well and expected more opportunities to emerge after the break as Middlesbrough pushed forward in search of an equaliser. He believed counter-attacking spaces would open up, although Hull found it difficult to fully capitalise on those moments.

Despite that, Jakirovic credited Middlesbrough’s defensive work and goalkeeping, acknowledging that their keeper produced several strong saves to keep the scoreline tight. In the end, Hull’s ability to defend their advantage ensured the early strike was enough to secure a vital win.

Building momentum after recent setbacks

The Hull boss also reflected on the broader significance of the result, particularly following their recent defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. He felt the Middlesbrough victory demonstrated a strong reaction from his players, praising their energy, intensity, and overall commitment.

Hull City’s Darko Gyabi (right) celebrates scoring their side’s first goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough. Photo: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire.

While he acknowledged there were moments where Hull could have shown greater composure in possession—especially when breaking into advanced areas—Jakirovic was pleased with the overall performance and stressed that the result would provide a significant psychological lift for the squad.

According to the manager, maintaining focus and belief during challenging spells is crucial at this stage of the season, and the win over a promotion rival could prove pivotal in the weeks ahead.

Injury concern for Ryan Giles

Hull’s night was not without concern, however, as former Middlesbrough loanee Ryan Giles was forced off injured just six minutes into the match. Giles, who previously spent time at Boro, was unable to continue and was replaced early on.

Jakirovic provided an update on the defender’s condition after the game, revealing that the issue appeared to be cramp rather than a serious injury. The manager explained that Giles had wanted to try and play on briefly, but the decision was made not to take any risks.

As a precaution, Hull adjusted their shape following the substitution, bringing Cathal McCarthy into a more central role while Akin Famewo was tasked with covering the affected flank. Jakirovic admitted that Famewo does not offer the same attacking threat as Giles, but felt the change worked well enough to maintain balance and defensive stability.

Eyes on the next challenge

With momentum firmly on their side, Hull City now turn their attention to the next stage of their campaign, encouraged by a performance that combined tactical discipline with resilience and efficiency.

Jakirovic will hope his side can build on this result, maintain their unbeaten run, and continue to apply pressure at the top end of the Championship table as the season progresses.

Hull City Considering January Move for Highly-Rated Young Player

Hull City are set to make an important call in the coming weeks regarding the short-term future of teenage forward Hugh Parker, as the club considers whether a loan move would best serve his development. With January approaching, the Tigers are expected to explore options that would allow several of their young prospects to gain valuable first-team experience away from the MKM Stadium.

Parker, who joined Hull earlier this year from Irish side University College Dublin (UCD), has quickly made a strong impression within the club’s academy setup. Operating primarily with Conor Sellars’ Under-21 squad, the young striker has delivered eye-catching numbers, scoring nine goals while also providing seven assists since his arrival. His performances have marked him out as one of Hull’s most exciting emerging talents.

That impressive form has not gone unnoticed at senior level. Head coach Sergej Jakirovic has been closely monitoring Parker’s progress and has regularly invited him to train with the first team in recent weeks. Injuries within Hull’s attacking department have further accelerated Parker’s exposure to senior football, creating opportunities that may not otherwise have arrived so quickly.

With Joe Gelhardt and Enis Destan sidelined and Oli McBurnie only recently returning from his own injury setback, Hull found themselves short of attacking options. As a result, Parker was included in the matchday squad for the Tigers’ recent 2-0 victory over Wrexham, taking a place on the substitutes’ bench. While he did not feature in the game, the decision to involve him at Championship level underlined the coaching staff’s belief in his potential.

Jakirovic has since spoken openly about the club’s thinking regarding Parker’s next steps. While the striker remains part of the first-team environment for now, the Hull boss acknowledged that regular minutes could be crucial for his continued development.

“We will see,” Jakirovic said when asked about Parker’s future. “Hugh is with us right now. We are using him, especially when we have problems with the strikers. He’s here, he’s involved, and he’s performing well.”

The head coach also revealed that he has personally watched Parker in action at youth level, suggesting the teenager has already demonstrated the qualities required to succeed higher up the pyramid.

“I watched a few games, so he’s okay,” Jakirovic added, before turning his attention to the possibility of a loan move. “We will see if he needs minutes. It’s maybe better to go and have minutes on loan, especially here in England.”

Hull’s preference for domestic loan moves reflects a wider trend among Championship clubs, who value the ability to closely monitor young players and recall them quickly if needed. Jakirovic highlighted this flexibility as a key advantage, noting that sending Parker out on loan would not necessarily mean losing access to him.

“I like this,” he explained. “You can always pull him back, and this is a good option for us.”

Interest in Parker is understood to be coming from clubs lower down the English Football League, where he could gain consistent senior minutes in a competitive environment. Such a move would offer the teenager the chance to adapt to the physical demands of men’s football while continuing to sharpen his finishing and all-round attacking play.

From Hull’s perspective, the decision will hinge on balancing immediate squad needs with long-term development. Should injuries persist or new issues arise in attack, Parker may remain with the senior squad as a useful option. However, if the Tigers’ forward line stabilizes in January, a temporary move away could provide the striker with invaluable experience.

For Parker himself, the coming weeks represent a crucial phase in his young career. Having already made a strong impression at Under-21 level and earned the trust of the first-team coaching staff, he now stands on the brink of regular senior football. Whether that next step comes at Hull City or elsewhere on loan will soon become clear.

As January approaches, Hull City’s handling of Parker’s situation will be closely watched, both by clubs interested in securing his services and by supporters eager to see one of the club’s brightest young prospects continue his upward trajectory.