Ricky Sbragia: I knew this job would be tough

Apr 10 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

RICKY SBRAGIA insists he was never tricked into believing that Sunderland were safe – saying he knew from “day one” that retaining their top-flight status this season would be a difficult task.

The Black Cats’ flat-lining form has come at the worst possible time for Sbragia, who has seen his side slump from the relative heights of 10th position, following a run of six games without a win.

They are now 17th and just three points ahead of Newcastle in the final relegation slot – a far cry from the situation after the Tottenham draw, after which midfielder Kieran Richardson talked of qualifying for Europe. The collapse in form has caused consternation on the terraces and nervousness in the dressing room, although Sbragia retains the belief that his side have the quality to drag themselves out of the relegation mire.

They resume battle this weekend against European champions Manchester United with Sbragia calling for his team to replicate the approach of Porto and Fulham and “get in the faces” of Sir Alex Ferguson’s stuttering title-chasers.

“We have to try get in their faces a little bit, as we did at Old Trafford, and we have to take the game to them,” Sbragia said.

“We have to get points and we’re at home, so why not have a go? We have seen Fulham do it and they got joy from it.

“We have to show the same heart that they did. Now is the time for us to start delivering.”

Sbragia is likely to recall Dwight Yorke to his starting line-up as he searches for a first victory since the February 7 defeat of Stoke.

Failure to take anything from the Manchester United game would leave the Black Cats exposed to the possibility of dropping into the bottom three – in the event that Newcastle emerge victorious from their ‘six-pointer’ with Stoke.