Telling question Hull boss asked Herrington after galling penalty miss

Exclusive: When Hull coach Sergej Jakirović sat down to watch the Socceroos’ round of 32 World Cup clash with Egypt, he was paying careful attention to a player he would manage within a month.

This was Australia’s only match Jakirović watched during the World Cup.

It just so happened to be the day an 18-year-old Lucas Herrington stepped up for a crucial penalty. We know how that story went.

Herrington hit the bar and Australia was knocked out, but the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimović praised the teenager’s courage.

That bravery is what stood out to his new manager.

“I asked him ‘you know who never missed a penalty?’,” he told nine.com.au and Stan Sport.

“And he asked me ‘who?’ I said ‘those who didn’t shoot’.

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“This showed his character because to take responsibility to shoot on the world stage, it’s amazing, and he’s very brave.

“I hope he’ll shoot again because he’ll play again at a World Cup. I hope he stays healthy, he has a very bright future.”

Jakirović is the man benefiting from that courage almost two months later.

Hull won the fight for Herrington’s services, beating out the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona.

Since the World Cup, the hype has been real for the $33 million defender.

He showed class in his debut against Manchester United, and was vital in Hull’s penalties win over Stoke. Then he came off the bench again during a Premier League win over Coventry.

Jakirović said there’s no chance he will “get crazy” amid the praise.

“He’s a great investment for our club, always when possible he will be on the pitch, and I’m trying to push him even more,” he said.

“It’s not easy, he had a debut against Man United, it’s not easy to be in the best league in the world, and you are playing against excellent players, but he played so calm, it was like he has 100 games in the Premier League.

“He’s a great person, he’s a leader. It doesn’t matter that he’s 18, since day one he’s talking to the players all the time, trying to help them on the pitch.

“You watch the player, you see the player and his football style, his pros and cons but (Herrington) and his personality, character, for me is much more important than his football style because his attitude on the pitch and his passion (impresses me). I like these style of players.”

Herrington is part of a $329m spending spree from Hull as the club attempts to steer clear of the relegation zone.

Jakirović has previously cited his intention to mirror Sunderland’s strategy last season after the Black Cats went from promoted to seventh. The club’s expenditure was $400m.

The Hull City boss admitted “it’s not easy to repeat” but the club has attempted to spend its money wisely.

So far, the results have been incredible. Two games, two wins, six points.

“Six points. If somebody told me that I’d say ‘you’re crazy my friend’ but we also have to believe in our work, that we can compete, and I’m very pleased with the situation,” Jakirović said.

The opening match against Manchester United was the perfect way to start.

New signing Nobel Mendy was on the scoresheet and the home fans went home yelling “You Hull”. Pundit Joe Cole copped it from the home fans for declaring Hull were gone before the season started.

Against United, Jakirović would have taken just one point, but his side manipulated weaknesses in the Red Devils’ defence with ruthless precision.

The emotional high of that result meant the manager completely changed the first-team for the mid-week match against Stoke.

There were no surprises because communication is key.

“My players know they will get the chance because I speak about this, they’re all very important, if you didn’t play on the weekend, you will play mid-week,” he said.

“We’re trying to use the Carabao Cup for players who joined us later because we need to manage minutes and players who missed pre-season.”

The fact those players joined late is a frustration for Jakirović. He’s a strong advocate for shortening the transfer window.

“This has been my opinion for a long time, I think July 31st would be excellent, but who am I to change this? I hope somebody will listen and try to change this,” he said.

“Two and a half months is amazing, but what can you do? I need to adapt.”

The Bosnian-born manager’s interview with Stan Sport came two days before the transfer window closed.

The excitement was clear when he said, “I can’t wait to finish this transfer window”.

His frustration comes down to the rumours and gossip that can distract players and impact a club’s work in the market.

“You’re trying to create your team, build your team, now in this period you’ve started the season and players need to concentrate on doing their job,” he said.

“Imagine now, you’re preparing for the game and three hours before the game, somebody will ring you and ask if you want to go to Arsenal or Man City. How can you have full concentration on the game?

“You have your team (ready), start good and then can lose two or three players.”

That scenario hasn’t impacted Hull. The two wins have the club sitting third on the Premier League ladder.

When the question turns to the season’s goal, Jakirović’s charisma comes out.

“Win the league,” he roars with laughter.

“We have six points now, our target is to get to 40 points as soon as possible which, I think, is enough to stay in the league, then we will see after that.

“Staying in the league is the main goal, staying in the league will be like we’ve won the Premier League.”

If he does pull that off, he’ll continue to be a hero around Hull.

Last season he endeared himself to the fans when he declared he’d failed his one task of staying in the Championship.

“We go to Premier League,” he then yelled to cheers.

Following the win over United in the first match, the euphoria was similar.

But he’s not getting carried away yet, as his post-match celebration suggests.

“I lay on my couch and watch the other games, this is how I relax ... and maybe drink a glass of wine.”