SERGEJ: IT IS PART OF FOOTBALL

JAKIROVIC'S VERDICT ON CITY FRACAS AGAINST STOKE

- By BARRY COOPER

SERGEJ Jakirovic has revealed he told his Hull City players they may as well go home at halftime of their 2-1 win at Stoke City, if they didn’t improve in the second half.

City were awful in the opening 45 minutes but were only a goal down to Sorba Thomas’ stunning volley after 17 minutes, but Jakirovic’s men were vastly improved in the second half.

The introduction of Mo Belloumi and Kyle Joseph at halftime breathed new life into the team, and they were level three minutes into it when Semi Ajayi headed in.

As it looked to be heading for a draw, Gelhardt fired in the winner in the 90th minute.

“This is not for the public,” Jakirovic told the Mail when asked what his halftime message was. “That must stay in the dressing room, but it was a nice chat. I was not angry or disappointed. If we continue to play like this, we can go home immediately as Stoke were much better than we were. I just prayed that we are going into halftime just 1-0 behind.