Jakirovic on transfers, Premier League status and facing Man Utd

Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester United at MKM Stadium (kick-off 12:30 BST). Here are the key lines from his news conference: Jakirovic was asked if defenders Bernard Mendy or Lucas Herrington could come straight into the team due to Charlie Hughes being out injured but would not divulge his team news. On how many more players he would like before the transfer window closes: "I'm expecting three or four more players. We bought some players, they are good players, potential players but they need more time for adaptation and to get chemistry with the team. We did a good pre-season now we can start the official games. Our recruitment team together with Mr Chairman [Acun Ilicali], they are working [on] a lot of new players so we need some positions still. We need more players and also for the competition on these positions." He added they are trying to "add some quality in our team" and "I hope we will do this until the end of this transfer window". Asked to comment on the potential signings of Yeremay Hernandez and Pablo Garcia, Jakirovic said "they are not our players". Jakirovic said he was "buzzing" to get started in the Premier League and added: "We will try to make [it] a difficult game for Manchester United. Of course they are favourites. I can't wait because I want also to compete with other managers. Sometimes, mostly we will be underdogs but still we are used to it to fight there and try to use our opportunities on the pitch." On what it means to the city to be in the Premier League: "Everything. A lot. You can compare with the best teams, the best players, the managers. We are not here just to participate in this season so we will try to do our best. Of course it is not easy. I saw all these predictions and everything but it is great motivation to prove them wrong if it is possible. We have another plan if things are not going so good so you have to prepare everything for next year, next season. At least we can fight, show some of our potential and what we have in our team." His message to the fans is to "be supportive like all of last season" and he said he knows they will be because the team will "never surrender until the end of the game". Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news Got a question about Hull? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts [BBC]