Teenager Pharrell Brown says the belief instilled in him by Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic played a key role in his dramatic match-winning moment on Tuesday evening.
Brown thumped in the winning strike for City as the Tigers fought back from a goal down to win 2-1 against Istanbulspor in their first outing on Turkish soil, in what was an eye-catching moment.
Latching onto a ball from Charlie Hughes, the 19-year-old cut in from the left before gliding across the edge of the box and fizzing a low drive into the bottom corner to cap a turnaround after Kyle Joseph had earlier levelled it up.
Brown, who arrived from Fleetwood Town a year ago, believes the confidence from the Bosnian boss, and his determination to see his side play forward, has made a big difference.
“I’m buzzing to get the goal, and buzzing to get the win,” a delighted Brown told Hull Live in Riva. “Hopefully, the fans are happy and it gives the fans confidence, as well, because at the end of the day, that’s who we play for. Winning games in pre-season gives you the confidence and momentum to take into the league.
“I’ve enjoyed it, it’s a lot different to the Under-21s, it’s way more intense, but all the boys have welcomed all the young lads, so it’s been fun.
“The same with the gaffer, he fills the boys with confidence. He says when you’re in the final third, just express yourself and don’t be afraid, get your shots off and try to beat your man.
“He just says, ‘Don’t be afraid, and football is a game of mistakes’. Literally, when you go on the pitch, just be confident because you are going to make mistakes.
“All the time in training, he tells us not to play backwards and play forward, and that’s the way he wants to play. He wants to play progressive football. You’ll get more chances by playing forward. You’re never going to get chances by just playing backwards and around the back.”
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