Michael Graham has offered further criticism of Sunderland boss Michael Beale, after his response to ‘outside’ noise ahead of this weekend’s game against Stoke City.
Sunderland boss Beale is a man under extreme pressure.
After just seven games in charge, and two wins, Sunderland fans have already grown extremely unsettled with his appointment and subsequent changes, with the negative style of play looking like the root cause of the unrest.
The Black Cats host Stoke City this weekend and there was a lot of anticipation around Beale’s pre-match press conference yesterday, and how he might react to the fan criticism that he’s faced since the defeat vs Hull City last week.
Michael Beale ‘perplexed and bemused’ by Sunderland criticism
As quoted by Chronicle Live, Beale addressed his critics; highlighting the fact that his side remain in play-off contention with just three points separating them and Coventry City.
Beale then offered a sarcastic response to the ‘outside’ noise, saying:
“So there’s a huge crisis at this football club. The youngest team in the league, we haven’t got the biggest budget, we are sat where we are, three points outside the play-offs, with a home game coming up. I’m a little bit perplexed and bemused by the outside thing.”
And this response was met with fury from Graham, who posted on X:
Beale had the chance to ease unsettled fans, but he’s made matters worse
Yesterday’s press conference was a chance for Beale to be honest with the Sunderland fans, and maybe even ease some tension ahead of another tough Championship game tomorrow.
But his comments have only caused more anger and upset among the fans.
Whilst criticism may be harsh at times; Beale has won two of seven games in charge, losing four, and the club do remain within touching distance of the play-offs, it’s the negative demeanour in which the club now plays which is his main criticism.
And Beale could’ve come out and explained his decisions or told the fans that he’s working hard on giving them a club they want to see play, but he’s hit back with a sarcastic remark and he’s now made for a very feisty encounter at the Stadium of Light this weekend.
All eyes will be on Beale and another loss will certainly shower him in yet more criticism, and after his comments before this next game, he may only have himself to blame.
Tomorrow’s game vs Stoke City kicks off at 3pm; a win would likely leave Sunderland in 7th place of the Championship table on goal difference, though the Potters will be looking to bounce back after defeat vs Tony Mowbray‘s Birmingham City last time out.