Sergej Jakirović Backs Zlatko Zahović for Maribor Leadership Role

Sergej Jakirović Backs Zlatko Zahović for Maribor Leadership Role

While evaluating candidates from the local football scene, Ilicali consulted Jakirović, who offered an endorsement for Zlatko Zahović.

Sergej Jakirović stated via Večer and Nogomania that he had always liked Maribor, noting that he had been there with Ilicali as well as previously, and that he had spoken with Zlatko Zahović about the situation while trying to explain to Ilicali what Maribor was, that the identity had been lost, and that Zlatko and Darko Milanič were trying to bring it back.

Zahović subsequently appeared in the stands at Ljudski vrt alongside Maribor’s technical staff and other observers during a preseason match where Hull City defeated Turkish side Rizespor 2–1. Jakirović noted that the club’s ownership structure bridges Hull and the Slovenian side, framing Zahović and Darko Milanič as figures working to recover the institution’s missing identity.

Sergej Jakirović stated via Večer and Nogomania that the boss had made the decision entirely on his own and had only asked him for his opinion, adding that there was nothing negative to say about Zlatko Zahović since his opinion was naturally positive, as Zahović was the architect of a successful Maribor, which was very easy to explain.

Hull City Prepares for the Premier League After a Historic Promotion Campaign

Hull City established training camp under Pohorje in Slovenia ahead of their inaugural campaign in the English top flight. The club enters the new term after securing promotion through the Championship playoffs despite operating under a transfer embargo that prevented the acquisition of new players.

Reflecting on the achievement, Jakirović described the campaign as a cinematic scenario. Sidelined from purchasing talent, the squad navigated a grueling schedule against diverse tactical setups in a division that demanded relentless physical effort every three days.

Assessing Career Milestones and Facing Manchester United in the Opener

Jakirović ranks his success at Hull at the pinnacle of his managerial career, placing it alongside his tenure with Dinamo Zagreb, Zrinjski, Rijeka, and Kayserispor due to the severity of the institutional constraints and league competition. The team celebrated the promotion for ten days before turning their attention toward roster analysis and upcoming fixtures.

The club faces Manchester United on August 22 in their opening fixture of the Premier League season, setting an immediate test against elite English opposition.