SUNDERLAND stars need to take a leaf out of “unbelievable” Connor Wickham’s book if they are to beat the drop, says Dick Advocaat. The Black Cats’ new head coach was hugely impressed with Wickham’s performance in the 1-0 defeat against West Ham United last weekend. The way Wickham played was excellent, unbelievable – his power and his skills Dick Advocaat Advocaat selected the 21-year-old in a new role, playing behind a front two of Steven Fletcher and Jermain Defoe. Wickham – whose stunning form around this time last year almost single-handedly saved Sunderland from relegation – responded with a man of the match performance. And Advocaat says that the rest of the Sunderland squad must also raise their game now. “The way Wickham played was excellent, unbelievable – his power and his skills,” said the Dutchman, who must wait until next Sunday to return to action with a Wear-Tyne derby against Newcastle. “But some players have to improve their game. “But, as a start, it’s working hard as a team and playing as a team and then your individual skills will come as well, in my opinion. “That will help us for Newcastle. The most important thing is that everyone worked hard. “One player played a little bit better than the others, but we can improve that side as well.” The work-rate of the team at Upton Park on Saturday was the most pleasing aspect of the game for Advocaat, who was taking charge of the side for the first time since replacing Gus Poyet as head coach. He now wants that effort replicated in next week’s derby, with Sunderland desperate to capitalise on their home games at the Stadium of Light if they are to avoid relegation after eight seasons in the top flight. “It’s a home game. We have to do it in home games and that will be difficult against Newcastle,” added Advocaat. “But with the fans behind us, with the work-rate we showed, with the power we have to give, we could get a situation like West Ham had in the last minute.” After the Wear-Tyne derby, Sunderland also have another home fixture when former Newcastle manager Alan Pardew brings his Crystal Palace side to the Stadium of Light.
Clearly trying to get the lads confidence back, fair play to him. Refreshing to have a manager who encourages the players.
I was very impressed at West Ham and shocked when they scored. If not for that goal the entire mood would be different on this board ......... I think we'll win the next game comfortably.
If wages fluctuated on players individual work rate it would, but it your guaranteed 40K a week etc for minimal effort, then some folks are happy to get away with the bare minimum Im not saying our whole squad is like that, but im sure there are some
Hope it works, you just know that Dick knows he's been ****e all season. You just know Dick knows they've all been ****e this season.
Of course, I know dick is blowing smoke up his arse (eurgh) but I presume he wants a repeat of last year. If he can get Connor back to his best he can say whatever he likes to the press.
Well I said yesterday we can do it on one win if we keep drawing games. Looking at the Hull fixtures, I can only see three more points for them, if that's all they can manage then 6 will see us safe. Beat the mags and Hull will be ****ting it.
Newcastle, Palace & Leicester are the key aren't they ......... if we can't get points there we don't merit staying up tbh.
Its getting our players to apply themselves en mass and we should be able to beat all of the teams mentioned above. However we have looked so dis-jointed we have struggled all season to beat anybody, from DAV's comments he seems to have quickly identified this, so lets hope he can be the catalyst for a dramatic upturn.
I agree, I hope Dick has given them plenty of fitness training too. For a team who can't be arsed it's scary how knackered they look going into the last 15 minutes of games.
But we beat Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea last season!! I agree with what you say but nothing as a sunderland fan is ever that straightforward!! Concentrate on a win next Sunday and that'll be a start
