Straight talking Ricky Sbragia clears the air

Apr 17 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

“The meeting happened on the training pitch, it was a nice day and we just sat the down and let them know we weren’t happy about things. I was disappointed after West Ham – we didn’t perform and there was a reason for that and maybe we got a bit too complacent.

“Neil Bailey and I spoke to them spelled out the facts as to what we felt went wrong and we got the response against United. We can’t carry players as a club and now I need a response against Hull on Saturday.”

To do that, Sunderland will need to carry the effort and endeavour of their Manchester United display into an afternoon when tensions are sure to run high.

Confidence is not in short supply in the dressing room, however. Sbragia says that his players have not been “hit by the reality” of their predicament yet, and as long as that doesn’t breed complacency in the squad it should be viewed as a positive.

“After that we came out and addressed them we then left it to the players and let them discuss it,” he said.

“I’ve been in relegation fights with Bolton where I’ve seen it hit the dressing room but I just can’t see that here.

“They seem relaxed but they know they’ve not performed how they want to perform.”

Cissé and Jones will be key once again, and Sbragia has seen positive signs that the pair are finally replicating their off-field chemistry where it matters.

“The two front players played extremely well, as a pair if they continue how they did against Man U they will score goals,” he said.

“We know they’ve got to gel more together. Ken’s got 10 now and Djib nine and, when they play well, we play well. Everything starts from the front.”