'Below 100 per cent' - Hull City issue Matthias Jaissle statement before Newcastle United clash
Newcastle United welcome Hull City to St James’ Park in the final fixture before a three-week international break.
Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic is fully aware of Matthias Jaissle’s football philosophy.
Newcastle United welcome the division’s surprise package to St James’ Park this weekend. The Tigers were tipped for an immediate Championship return but have two wins, two draws and zero defeats from the opening four games.
Hull held Chelsea to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge last weekend and will arrive on Tyneside full of confidence. By contrast, Newcastle’s honeymoon period under Jaissle burst on Monday with a 4-1 defeat to Leeds United.
‘We can compete’ - Sergej Jakirovic
Speaking to reporters, Tigers boss Jakirovic expressed how his team have already proven their Premier League worth. He said: “We have shown that we can compete at this level. Stamford Bridge (2-2 against Chelsea) was difficult but we showed we can also push, press, create chances there and score.
“It was a very demanding game, but one point. I’m happy with one point even though a lot of people told me we should have won this game. I don’t want to be ungrateful because every point in every game, especially in these demanding away games, is good for us.
“You will see. We will still try to be unbeaten but I am expecting a very tough game, especially after Newcastle’s defeat at Leeds. It will be a very demanding game for us.”
‘I know Jaissle’ - Hull City warning
Jakirovic also claimed to know Jaissle well - vowing to have a gameplan for their trip to St James’ Park. He added: “I know my colleague, Jaissle, from Salzburg, this is a Red Bull style. A lot of man marking, a lot of pressing.
“Also, the reaction after losing the ball. Very aggressive. They like to run and it will be very demanding. If we have the same energy, it will be a very good game. If you are below 100 per cent, you can have a lot of problems. We will see on Saturday but we have our tactical plan.”