Exclusive: Gus Poyet speaks on ‘outstanding’ Sunderland, Granit Xhaka and more | OneFootball

“The fans deserve it!” – Gus Poyet on Sunderland’s ‘Outstanding’ Start to the Season

After seven years out of the Premier League, many expected Sunderland’s return to be a major struggle. But with 11 points from their opening seven games, the Black Cats are more than up for the challenge of survival.

Sitting 9th in the table and boasting one of the strongest defensive records in the division, head coach Regis Le Bris has received plenty of plaudits.

Their strong start to the season included wins over West Ham United, Brentford and Nottingham Forest, as well as impressive draws with Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

But after the international break, they face a tough run of games against the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City, where their intentions will really be tested.

Former Sunderland manager Gus Poyet spoke exclusively to EPL Index and shared his delight with the club’s progress…

Photo: IMAGO

“The fans deserve it”

Poyet spent two years as head coach at Sunderland and guided them to the League Cup final and the ‘great escape’ in 2014. During that time, he became a hit with the supporters and has maintained a close connection to the fanbase in the decade since.

Speaking on Sunderland’s start to the season, Poyet said: “This makes me smile a lot. The fans deserve it so much and so does the club.”

“It has been an outstanding start to the season.”

Poyet also pointed out the importance of having a strong home record as a newly-promoted team, which Sunderland have so far achieved by being unbeaten in their three home games so far.

“Your home form as a newly-promoted team is so important and that win over West Ham United would’ve gave them so much confidence to kick on.”

“The away win at Nottingham Forest has been the icing on the cake from the opening fixtures.”

“Granit Xhaka is obviously the standout player and has helped them to do so well, but huge credit has to go to the management and recruitment team.”

Can Sunderland Stay Up?

It has been an incredibly impressive start from the Black Cats, but there’s still plenty of work still to do.

But if there’s one man that has always believed in ‘miracles’ on Wearside, then it’s Gus Poyet…

“I don’t see why not. They’ve just got to keep going about their business in the same way that they have so far,” said Poyet, “Keep picking up points, avoiding injuries and there’s no reason why they can’t hit that magic 40-point mark.”

“The Stadium of Light has been rocking so far and that support definitely helps the players.”

Sunderland’s first game back after the international break comes at home to Wolves, who currently sit bottom of the table and yet to register a win this season. It’s the perfect opportunity for Le Bris’ side to move their points tally to 14 and move as high as 4th in the table, should other results go their way.