'He wants to win' - Summer signing Ajayi enjoying working under Hull City manager

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has expressed admiration for Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic as the club intensifies preparations for the 2025/2026 Championship campaign.

Ajayi, who joined the Tigers on a free transfer this summer, praised Jakirovic’s winning mentality and clear vision for the team ahead of their pre-season clash against Stockport County.

“Really good, he's been very, very clear in what he wants from the boys,” Ajayi told Hull Daily Mail.

“He's pushed us a lot, and obviously he's a serial winner, so he wants to win and that's what he demands from us. We're all really looking forward to working with him this season and we've already started to see the fruits of it already.”

The 31-year-old Nigerian international also spoke about how well he has adapted to his new environment.

“The players made it very easy for me to settle in. There's a lot of top players here as well, so that's made my life a lot easier,” Ajayi added.

Reflecting on Hull City’s pre-season training camp in Turkey, Ajayi highlighted the team’s positive results and intense preparations ahead of the clash against Stockport.

"To go to Turkey, get two wins and also put in a lot of good work on the training pitch is all we can really ask for," adds Ajayi.

"It keeps that confidence building and we get a little bit of momentum. It's all about building habits, the results were not the be all and end all, it was about building habits, gaining the fitness and obviously building the relationships that we're going to need throughout the season. So we've managed to do that.

"The facility we stayed at was was top class, had everything we needed to prepare ourselves as players and athletes. We've been able to get some really, really good work in and also bond as well.”

With the new Championship season on the horizon, Ajayi will be eager to contribute his experience to Hull City’s push for promotion back to the Premier League.

Adeyemi Adewale

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