Sunderland will look to avenge a disappointing defeat against Swansea City when they travel to Norwich City on Saturday.
Mike Dodds in his first game back as interim boss saw his Sunderland side lose 2-1 at home to Swansea City.
There was a deject atmosphere at the Stadium of Light following a disastrous first half, with the Black Cats going into half-time at 2-0 down.
But the Swans could’ve been much further ahead; Sunderland looked lost in what was a new set up, after Michael Beale was sacked at the start of the week.
Sunderland players raring to go after Swansea mishap, says Mike Dodds
At half-time in the Swansea game, Dodds changed the shape, and Sunderland looked much better for it.
And despite the absences of Jack Clarke and Dan Ballard for this weekend’s trip to Carrow Road, Dodds says the Sunderland players remain in good spirits, with a return to winning ways the focus after three-straight defeats.
Dodds said of the mood among the Sunderland squad this week:
“I think the group have been excellent this week in training and regardless of the result, there has been a real vibrancy in terms of the way they have trained, the tempo and the intensity. In terms of me looking from my side of the fence, I see a group of players that are hungry to get back on the pitch and correct what happened on Saturday. We have to double down on what we are doing in terms of our process, coaching, and intensity and the players have got to follow that.”
Big reaction needed against Norwich City
For everyone at Sunderland, a win this weekend would be a very welcome one.
For Dodds after the first half horror show after Swansea, for the players, and for the Sunderland owners who arguably caused this current predicament with the Beale appointment.
But Norwich City are in good form right now; they’re unbeaten in five and sit three points outside the top six in 7th, so they’ll be eager to take advantage of a misfiring and weakened Sunderland side this weekend.
Dodds’ comments though suggest that there remains a positive mood around the club, and even without Clarke and Ballard, Sunderland still have plenty of players who can cause the Canaries damage.
Names like Dan Neil and Pierre Ekwah will need to control what will be a real physical battle in the midfield on Saturday, and then when chances fall to whoever starts up front, they’ll need to be taken.
And with eight points separating Sunderland and the top six, a win this weekend could reignite some distant hopes of a late play-off push for the Black Cats.
Kick off is at 3pm on Saturday.