Despite mounting fan criticism, Michael Beale has defended Sunderland’s recent performances.
Michael Beale is ‘a little bit surprised and bemused’ by the reaction to Sunderland’s recent two league defeats.
A big number of fans have called for Beale’s dismissal online seven games into his employment, and there were cries of’sacked in the morning’ at the Stadium of Light after Hull City took the lead last Friday night. Beale maintains there is lots to be optimistic about, and he also criticised Tony Mowbray’s record prior to his departure, claiming it demonstrates that the difficulties holding the squad back this season would take longer to resolve.
“We’ve just lost two close games, so off the back of that there’s obviously anxiety in the fanbase because we want to do well,” Beale went on to say.
“We’re in a same position as when I took over, so there’s still enough to play for. I believe some people were upset when I arrived before I could even begin playing a game, therefore we must simply play the next game that comes up. I’m impressed with how the players are working behind the scenes and how cohesive the group is. I just have to keep working with the players, and if the results go our way, it will change some people’s opinions, but some people may never change, so I have to face that as a fact really.
“If we win that game, we’ll fall just outside the play-offs on goal difference, so there’s a massive issue at this football club; we’re the youngest team in the league, we don’t have the biggest budget, and we’re three points out of the play-offs with a home game coming up. The outside thing has me bewildered and bemused.
“The change was initiated by the club. When the alteration was made, we had two wins out of nine. In the following nine league games, the club won four. So, for me, the constant issue is that we are not scoring enough goals. We’ve been scoring one goal a game for the past 18 or 19 games, and we need to try to change that. We need all of the outside help we can get, and I believe the focus should remain on the squad.
“They’re a young group,” he explained.
“They train exceptionally well, and I’m pleased with the work we’ve done behind the scenes. At some time, we’ll reward ourselves in the games, and the outcome will be positive. Only a few games ago, we were three games unbeaten. The previous two league games, in particular, have been really difficult for us, as they were both close. We had more possession than Ipswich at their stadium, and substantially more than Hull at ours, so losing to set plays in both games is disheartening.
“We want the team to play better in the last third and move a little faster, and those are the things we’re focusing on. although in terms of what the players in house are offering me, I am constantly impressed by their work ethic, although everyone is conscious of the background noise. “All we can think about is the next game.”
Sunderland take on Stoke City at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon.
