Andy Reid promises a positive display

Oct 12 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

ANDY Reid has promised Sunderland will adopt the same positive approach against Liverpool on Saturday which served them so well at Manchester United in their previous match.

But the Irish midfielder has also asked the club’s fans to be realistic in their expectations of the match.

The Black Cats claimed a 2-2 draw – and were a minute away from winning – at Old Trafford by adopting a far more positive mindset than most sides do at the home of the champions. This weekend brings another clash against top-four opposition, this time at the Stadium of Light, and according to Reid a similar attitude.

“We imposed ourselves on Manchester United and I don’t think many Sunderland teams have managed that in recent times,” said the 27-year-old. “A lot of teams line up against United or Liverpool and they are beaten before they leave the changing room. I think the only way to go about things is to have a go.

“It’s easier said than done because if you go all out for the win you can be on the end of a real beating and end up embarrassed. A lot of times you are going to lose to the top sides so why not give it a good go? I think that’s what the manager thinks and that’s why we play two up front and give the top teams some problems.

“At the same time, Liverpool are a Champions League side and we’re under no illusions.

“Just because we got a draw at Old Trafford I hope people don’t come down to the game expecting us to beat Liverpool 2-0 or 3-0. I can tell you now we aren’t going to beat Liverpool 3-0! All we can do is give the same level of performance and hopefully get the result we want.”