Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic named Premier League Manager of the Month
Sergej Jakirovic, who has had a strong start to the Premier League season with Hull City, has won the Manager of the Month award for August, becoming the first Bosnian coach to receive the honor.
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Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic has been named the Premier League Manager of the Month for August. The Bosnian coach was awarded the Barclays Premier League Manager of the Month prize after his team began the season with two wins in two matches.
The 49-year-old Jakirovic made history in the Premier League as the first Bosnian manager to win this award. With this result, the number of countries represented by managers who have won the Manager of the Month award in the competition's history has risen to 21.
The award holds special significance for Hull City as well. Jakirovic is the third manager in the club's history to achieve this feat. Previously, Phil Brown won the same award in September 2008, and Mike Phelan in August 2016.
Hull City, which reached the Premier League via the Championship play-offs last season, has made a remarkable start in the top flight after a nine-year absence. Jakirovic's team pulled off one of the first major surprises of the season by defeating Manchester United 2-0 in the opening week.
In their second match in August, Hull City secured a victory against fellow newly promoted side Coventry City with a goal found in the final minutes. Thus, the team finished the first two weeks with 6 points, completing their month of return to the Premier League without dropping any points.
Alongside Jakirovic, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, and Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca were also among the nominees for the award. The prize was awarded to Jakirovic following a combination of fan votes and an expert panel's assessment.