HULL manager Sergej Jakirovic has joked that his players will stop Chelsea by KICKING them.

The 49-year-old coach explained that his players will face a tough challenge in the Premier League against the free-scoring West London club on Saturday.

NINTCHDBPICT001107195764Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic talks during a press conference ahead of facing Chelsea Credit: Sky Sports Sunderland v Hull City - Carabao Cup Third Round, United Kingdom - 08 Sep 2026Hull manager Jakirovic during a Carabao Cup match against Sunderland Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

Jakirovic was asked in his press conference what special measures his newly-promoted will take to stop , after they scored eight goals in their first three games of the Premier League season.

And the former manager wasted no time as he joked that Hull could deliberately foul their opponents at .

Jakirovic said: “Kick them.”

Chelsea’s bold attacking approach continued into the on Wednesday, as they secured a .

This has boosted them to an average of 3.4 goals per game in all competitions this season.

Jakirovic then went on to explain that his side will not look to make the same mistakes as Chelsea’s previous opponents.

He continued: “If you are man-marking, you don’t have a chance. It’s very simple, because they are capable to pass one, two, three players.

“Together, effort as a team. We will see. They have a very big quality, it will be very demanding for us. Tough, but it’s a great challenge ahead of us.”

Saturday 12 September
Bournemouth
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Brentford
Villa
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Forest
Chelsea
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15:00
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Sunderland
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Sunday 6 September
Saturday 5 September
English Premier League Pld Pts GD W D L Form
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3
9
5
3
0
0
2
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9
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3
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3
7
3
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8
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0

It has been a strong start to the season for the Tigers, after .

They have remarkably remained undefeated to make an early climb up the league, sitting third after three matches.

This has included an and a victory over Coventry.

Hull’s winning run was then brought to an end with a on Saturday.

Yet Chelsea remain firm favourites, despite the Tigers being the only club yet to concede a Premier League goal this season.

Jakirovic has also been given a fresh injury boost ahead of the clash with John Egan, Paddy McNair, and Brooke Norton-Cuffy all being cleared to play.