Hull City must find a way to get Oli McBurnie more involved in games, according to head coach Sergej Jakirovic. He wants to give McBurnie the chance to add to his goal-scoring tally.
Jakirovic feels his side can do more to create chances inside the box for McBurnie. This comes after McBurnie went a seventh game without scoring during Friday’s 1-1 draw at Oxford United.
McBurnie’s Goal Drought
McBurnie’s last goal came in the first half of City’s 4-2 win over Derby County in February. Since then, the Scotland striker has had precious little to work with.
Ryan Giles’ absence hasn’t helped, given he was creating regularly for McBurnie earlier in the season. Jakirovic admits his side must find more quality in the final third and make the most of their influential marksman.
“Maybe we will wait for Ryan Giles to come back,” Jakirovic said. “We have had to improvise on the left side recently. Coyle did everything there because it’s not his natural position. Against Sheffield Wednesday, Paddy (McNair) played there, and he’s a centre-back.
Coach’s Frustration with Crosses
“I think that we must do everything to bring Oli into the game, to create a chance for him. This is why I was angry with our crosses into the box. They were too low, too short or too long, so it must be better. This must be better. We are professional players, and these are technical issues.”
Jakirovic cut a frustrated figure at times on the touchline. He says that was because of his side’s lack of quality, with him wanting a response against leaders Coventry City on Monday evening.
“Yeah, of course (I was frustrated), because I know what my players can do. They have already shown that almost the whole season on the pitch.”
Opponents’ Tactics to Quell McBurnie
West Brom boss James Morrison said after the Baggies’ 3-0 win that he’d brought Nat Phillips into the team just to mark McBurnie. Jakirovic knows he must overcome tactics other teams are operating in a bid to quell the forward’s influence.
“This is also the quality of the opponent. Maybe they’re defending the box better in these situations. They are also aware of Oli’s quality,” he added.
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