There has to be a decent pairing in there somewhere, but i'm ****ed if i can find it..Then you hoy PVA and Billy Jones into the mix.....DA has his work cut out. Dick Advocaat will reconsider his decision to keep faith in Sunderland’s defence after shipping seven goals in the opening two games. Advocaat resisted the temptation to introduce either captain John O’Shea or summer signing Adam Matthews against Norwich City last weekend, despite the back-line being run ragged in the opening day defeat at Leicester. At the moment, there are players playing who I can’t understand why they are playing that way Dick Advocaat The head coach wanted to give his defence another chance to find their feet, with new-look central defensive pair Younes Kaboul and Sebastian Coates starting alongside each other just once during the pre-season campaign. But Sunderland were just as fragile defensively in the shambles against the Canaries and that may force Advocaat into a re-think for Saturday’s visit of Swansea. “I didn’t want to change the back-line already after one game,” said Advocaat. “But at the moment, there are players playing who I can’t understand why they are playing that way. “I cannot understand it, honestly. “But there must be a reason and I hope that they can tell me.” Advocaat looked for answers from his players when the squad assembled after the Norwich game on Sunday. The meeting was held in the middle of the training pitch at the Academy of Light, with Advocaat urging his players to be honest about why Sunderland’s start to the season has been so dismal. It is understood that there have been concerns among senior players about the sheer lack of intensity in the side over the opening two games. Left-back Patrick van Aanholt has been one of the prime culprits behind Sunderland’s defensive troubles, with the former Chelsea man preyed upon by both Leicester and Norwich. While van Aanholt’s natural tendencies are to go forwards, Advocaat has stressed to his full-backs that they need to defend first and foremost, although there was little evidence of improvement on that score from the Dutchman against Norwich. “I spoke to the players and told them that we like full-backs, who if the possibility comes, they go forward,” said Advocaat. “But I’ve changed that. I’ve now set up a different way. “The first way for the back four is now defence. “And then the opponent cannot get the kind of space they got at Leicester. “Take care of your man, and beside that, if you can do a little bit more, then go forwards, otherwise not. “We have to change the basic facts.”
“Take care of your man, and beside that, if you can do a little bit more, then go forwards, otherwise not. “We have to change the basic facts.” He has actually had to tell them that? You`re right comm, he really has got a job on his hands.
Are we any better off at right back since Bardsley left? I know my opinion, I'll throw it open to you lot.
Nope! I wasn't too bothered when he left as I thought we should be moving on from that level to move up - but **** me I would love him lining up this weekend at Right Back!! How far we have fallen
We are much worse since Bardo left, much much worse. Above everything at least Bardo gave 100% every week.
Good shout - I'd forgotten about him! Wanted to stay but was 34 so a single season deal possibly should've been offered - far better than Jones - Haven;t seen anything of Matthews to form an opinion yet but I didn't rate Jones last season!
I mentioned him - we have seen 36 minutes of him - in that 36 minutes we won 2-1! So it stands to reason he should start ahead of Jones!
Marcus. You should start ahead of Jones. Maybe Matthews is one of the changes DA was on about. I`d like to see him have a go.
Hahaha!! At least Id'give 100%! Might also bollock the other players who don't!! But I can only run for 10 mins then I'm ****ed!!
He's reluctant to start Watmore even after the Cameo last week so Beadling has little chance! TBH I haven't even seen him play so I can't comment. Don;t get to reserve games any more
Really? Where did you get that from? I thought he earned a start. Back to the OP. If DA has instilled a new philosophy we`ll soon see what notice they`ve taken of him. I suspect Swansea are going to be looking forward to this one.
Maybe he just ran his contract down like a lot of pros do now to get a better deal at their new club?
