‘My next level’ - Manager openly targets Newcastle United job amid Matthias Jaissle pressure
Matthias Jaissle is under pressure at Newcastle United just nine games into the Premier League season.
Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic has bizarrely admitted that his next step is a club like Newcastle United or Everton.
The Tigers enjoyed an electric return to life in the Premier League, with victories over Manchester United and Coventry City followed by a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. However, no wins in eight across all competitions has brought Hull back to reality.
As a newly promoted side, they are expected to be fighting for survival this season. Newcastle’s last home win came against Hull before the extended international break.
Sergej Jakirovic makes bizarre comments
Speaking to Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti, Jakirovic was asked if he could manage Man United. He responded: “The boss would be proud, but that’s not realistic. From Hull you can only go to the middle tier. I think that’s my next level. Clubs that are below the top six. To be a coach at the very top, you have to have a pedigree.”
When Newcastle or Everton were suggested as potential clubs, Jakirovic added: “That would be great. I have everything defined in my (Hull) contract. There is no grey area. Seven figures.
“The media here love me, my broken English, especially Sky Sports. They say I’m different because I’m direct, I don’t pull any punches. After Fulham, when we were really outplayed, I said it was like men and children playing.”
Matthias Jaissle pressure
An uninspiring start to the campaign has seen some Newcastle fans already turn on Matthias Jaissle. Our sister title, The Gazette, ran a survey across several social media platforms following the Everton defeat - with 46.8 per cent wanting him gone.
Boos echoed around St James’ Park at the full-time whistle on Monday but the club’s hierarchy remain behind the manager. There will be no knee-jerk reaction on Tyneside as a transitional season was always expected.
That said, Newcastle must react against Fulham on Saturday. A tricky fixture list following the international break sees the Magpies face Arsenal (H), Brighton (A), Manchester United (H) and Sunderland (H).