A public dispute has erupted between Hull City owner Acun Ilıcalı and Kayserispor president Nurettin Açıkalın over the anticipated transfer of coach Sergej Jakirović. Ilıcalı has confirmed he will meet with Açıkalın to address the burgeoning “war of words” regarding the Bosnian manager, who is widely expected to take the helm at the English Championship club.
Jakirović, 48, only assumed control of Kayserispor in late January, successfully guiding the struggling Süper Lig side to safety with a series of impressive results.
READ: Who is Arda Guler? The 18-year-old ‘Turkish Messi’ Wanted by Europe’s Biggest Clubs
However, it now appears his tenure, which was initially slated for an eighteen-month period, will be cut short as a move to English football draws closer. Hull City is reportedly prepared to pay a significant fee to release Jakirović from his contract at the Kadir Has Stadium, and the former Dinamo Zagreb boss is also expected to command a substantial salary in East Yorkshire.
Kayserispor president Nurettin Açıkalın has expressed his frustration over the situation, accusing Ilıcalı of an improper approach. “We worked in harmony and carried the team to success,” Açıkalın stated. “We had plans for the new season. Our coach did not say goodbye to us. He did not say he was leaving and would not come.”
Açıkalın further criticized Ilıcalı’s conduct, asserting, “However, the approach of Hull City president Acun Ilıcalı is not nice at all. This club has a president and a sports director. Permission was not received for a meeting.” His comments highlight a perceived lack of protocol in Hull City’s pursuit of their coach.
Responding to these claims on Turkish television [as relayed by Hull Daily Mail], Acun Ilıcalı indicated his readiness to address the concerns directly. “I will meet with Nurettin Açıkalın (Kayserispor president),” Ilıcalı affirmed. “We did not steal anyone’s coach. We are not people like that in terms of style. We do certain things in our relationships very well. We will also meet with our dear president.” He drew a parallel to a past transfer, adding, “If a coach wants this, just as we allowed Ferdi (transfer to Brighton), the same situation applies.”
Jakirović is reportedly expected to be granted a work permit following a meeting with officials earlier this week, paving the way for his move to England. The upcoming meeting between Ilıcalı and Açıkalın will be crucial in potentially resolving the current tensions and facilitating a smoother transition for the highly-rated Bosnian coach.
