Cissé admits partnership isn't working

Mar 18 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

UNSETTLED Djibril Cissé admits he is unhappy at the way his partnership with Kenwyne Jones is playing out – and says he can have no complaints if Ricky Sbragia axes him for the crucial trip to Manchester City.

After a disappointing home defeat to Wigan which dragged Sunderland back into the relegation fight, the Black Cats’ season reaches a critical point at Eastlands on Sunday. With just three points separating them from Stoke in the final relegation spot, Sunderland need a result in the North West.

That Sbragia’s side are back in trouble is largely down to the steady stream of goals supplied by Cissé and Jones drying up – a development that has led to Sunderland’s manager pondering changes to his starting line-up.

Cissé, with nine league goals so far this season but none since February 1, endured another disappointing afternoon at the weekend – and admits that the Sunderland dressing room is a frustrated place.

To illustrate the point, Cissé, who has spoken of his unhappiness at the uncertainty surrounding his own Sunderland future, cut an edgy and agitated figure when speaking at the club’s Whitburn training ground yesterday.

Admitting to feeling frustration and discontent at his lack of goals and the team’s form, Cissé

acknowledged that his partnership with Jones is running out of time.

“If I am honest, I have to say that my partnership with Kenwyne has not really been effective,” Cissé admitted.

“People have said that we look good together in training but, in training, you do not win points. But there are two solutions – we either give up, or we continue trying to find a solution that allows us to link together and score goals.

“We’re going to have to find a solution to this, otherwise I do not know what will happen.

“Everything is there. He is a quality player, I am a quality player – it is just not clicking.

“For whatever reason, on a Saturday there is nothing.

“It’s up to the manager whether he wants to change things. When you do not perform, there is a chance that you will be on the bench.

“The manager is going to have to make the decision he feels is best for the club and the team. He will have to choose who he thinks deserves to play more. If I am on the bench, so be it. There is nothing I can do.”