'Needs to play a back pass' - Hull City manager blames Ajayi for costly error in loss to Derby

Hull City manager Sergej Jakirović has criticised Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi for his role in the late goal that condemned the Tigers to a 2-1 defeat against Derby County on Tuesday night.

The 48-year-old tactician expressed disappointment over the mix-up between Ajayi and goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, which allowed Derby's Lars-Jorgen Salvesen to score the winning goal in the final seven minutes at Pride Park. 

Speaking during his post match reaction, Jakirović frowned at the incident, insisting that Ajayi should have played a back pass to the goalkeeper to avoid the costly error.

"In my opinion Semi (Ajayi) needs to play a back pass and Ivor (Pandur) must stay in his box because Semi is closer to the ball and I have watched the video," Jakirović said, as quoted by Bordertelegraph. 

"But it's a misunderstanding and he tried to clear the ball but he missed."

Semi Ajayi joined the Tigers in the summer as a free agent after his contract with West Brom expired.

The former Arsenal defender quickly established himself as a key figure in Hull City's backline, putting in a commanding display that helped the team secure a goalless draw away at Coventry on the opening day of the season.

However, a hamstring injury disrupted his momentum and has since affected his form. 

Since returning from the setback, Ajayi has struggled to reach his previous high standards.

As Hull prepare to face Portsmouth, the Nigerian defender will be eager to move past his recent error and regain the form that once made him a defensive pillar for the Tigers.

Adeyemi Adewale

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