The Tigers host the Hornets in their game in hand looking to close in on the top two
Sergej Jakirovic could lead his side to five straight league wins(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
Sergej Jakirovic admits Javi Gracia’s departure from Watford adds an extra layer of challenge to Hull City’s preparations for their rearranged game on Tuesday night.
City know that a fifth consecutive victory would see them close the gap on leaders Coventry City to just two points, and crucially, open up an 11-point gap to seventh with 16 games to go.
The pair were set to meet on January 4, before the game was called off at the MKM Stadium less than 20 minutes before kick-off because of safety concerns.
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Since then, City have won all four league games to move 10 points clear of the Hornets, who were a place above the Tigers inside the top six at that point, while the Hertfordshire side haven’t won, and Gracia resigned on Sunday. Charlie Daniels, Dan Gosling and Adrian Mariappa will be in caretaker charge.
It’s the first of four consecutive home games for the Tigers, with Bristol City, QPR and Derby County to follow, in addition to the visit of Chelsea in the FA Cup on Friday week, and Jakirovic wants his team to make the most of home advantage.
“I spoke already last year, saying that it will be very important come the end of February to see where we will be,” the City chief told Hull Live.
“This is now our chance, and maybe now it’s a key moment if we take, I don’t know, 60, 70, 80 per cent of these points, we will be in a good spot, so we will see. We go game by game. We are in good form, we’re in a good rhythm, and I hope we will continue like this.”
Jakirovic admitted he was surprised to see Gracia leave the Hornets, calling time on his second spell in charge after only arriving in November. It leaves the club searching for a third manager of the season.
“I don’t understand anything in football because if it’s a problem with the head coach or manager, then you don’t have problems, but it’s not like this because the head coach cannot play. He’s in the technical space and tries something to do, but, OK, this is a Watford decision.
“Now, maybe it’s a little difficult for this preparation because we don’t know who will be in charge there. We know their players and their style, so we will try to prepare something, and I hope we will be successful.”
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