Gus Poyet has revealed that keeping Sunderland up is the biggest achievement of his career.
The former Black Cats boss told the Sunderland Echo that the 2013/14 campaign was one that will ‘stay with him forever’ as he performed a miracle to avoid relegation to the Championship.
Poyet moved to Wearside in October 2013 and went onto knock Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup to reach the final at Wembley, before guaranteeing Premier League safety with one game remaining as the club earned 13 points out of a possible 15 games.
Sunderland inflicted Jose Mourinho’s first-ever home league defeat as Chelsea manager, as well as claiming victories over Cardiff City, Manchester United and West Brom to avoid relegation.
Poyet also helped create history when he did the double over Newcastle United, claiming a last gap win on home turf before a huge 3-0 win at St. James’ Park.
Despite his sacking the following year, Poyet’s season will go down in the history books on Wearside.
“People think about winning titles, but the biggest achievement of my coaching career was staying up at Sunderland,” Poyet said.
“It was incredible.
“I played three derbies and won three. Two at St James’ Park – my time at Sunderland was extraordinary. The celebrations after beating Newcastle… you have to live it, to be part of it to be able to understand it and what it means.
“It’s not just one night, it’s the whole week. Leaving St James after winning 3-0 and winning 1-0 in the last minute… you can only know what it feels like if you live it. That will stay with me forever, forever.”
Poyet has since managed AEK Athens, Real Betis, Shanghai Senhua, Bordeaux, Universidad Catolica and is now leading the way for the Greece national team.