Hull City boss reveals impact of Super Eagles defender in Millwall victory

Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic has revealed why he chose to place Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi in the starting eleven against Millwall last night, Afrik Foot reports.

The 32-year-old played 22 games for the Tigers in the Championship despite the injury problems, but he was on the bench in the first leg against Millwall, which ended in a goalless draw.

However, the former Arsenal defender was placed on the right side of Hull’s back three at the Den, and put in a superb performance as his side sealed a 2-0 victory, and will now head to Wembley for the play-offs final.

Hull City: Why Ajayi started against Millwall

Goals from Mohamed Belloumi and Joe Gelhardt sealed a Wembley match-up for Jakirovic’s side.

Still, the Bosnian manager was pleased with the defensive contribution of Ajayi, covering up for the attacking wing-backs.

“We changed our formation because when I watched the first leg, I saw maybe we would have problems because they were coming very high with the full-backs,” the 49-year-old said in quotes revealed by South London UK.

“They tried to fill the pockets with two wingers. [Josh] Coburn is there and also we decided to put one centre-back extra [so] then we can also control better set-pieces with Semi Ajayi, and also try to press with two wingers and provide support with [Matt] Crooks and [Regan] Slater.

“I think they [the defenders] did a great job today. Around fifteen or 20 minutes we didn’t clear two or three good balls and then we had some problems there, which is normal and expected.

“Also I think we had a very strong start to the game which was maybe crucial because this is their style.

“Of course, we [were] patient and then we will have our chances.

“That was the main plan. Even when they tried to play around you, [for us] to try to press them, to manage the distance, that we are together like a group and not about individuals because they will play around you,” the Hull City head coach concluded.

Hull City will play against the winner of the clash between Southampton and Middlesbrough. The EFL Championship play-off final will be played at Wembley on Saturday, May 23.