Tony Mowbray has admitted that he expects more from Sunderland’s Patrick Roberts and has asked him damning questions.
This season Sunderland have been good, but a lot of their good attacking play has been courtesy of Jack Clarke.
Patrick Roberts hasn’t been great with Sunderland needing more from him and whoever is played up front has also struggled to make things happen.
Due to this, now Tony Mowbray has commented, admitting he needs more from Roberts.
Along with this, he has also said that he’s been asking Roberts why he can’t replicate Clarke’s brilliance.
Mowbray on Roberts
As reported by the Sunderland Echo, Mowbray began his challenge to Roberts.
“I love Patrick Roberts and I almost want him and Jack to compete,” Mowbray said.
“I’m saying to Patrick, why can’t you be scoring and assisting as many?
“Jack takes penalties, of course, but I want to see Patrick sticking it in the back of the net as well. I couldn’t sit here and say Jack is more talented than Patrick. He needs to be getting into the box and scoring more, being more selfish with his finishing and hopefully, we keep those goals coming from both sides of the pitch.”
Needs to improve for Sunderland
Roberts who currently earns £6.7k-per-week at the Stadium of Light, needs to kick on as Sunderland looks to regain control of the playoff race this season.
Clarke can’t do it all alone and with Abdoullah Ba impressing, Roberts’ place in the team isn’t assured.
So with Mowbray clearly backing him to improve, he needs to repay that faith and start contributing goals.
Roberts hasn’t scored this season, with just an assist to his name so far through 12 appearances this season in the Championship.