Michael Beale has responded to questions regarding Alex Pritchard after Sunderland confirmed he had demanded to leave the club this month.
Alex Pritchard previously looked set to be forced out the door by Sunderland last summer, but ended up remaining at the Stadium of Light to fight for his place.
The midfielder has recently earned his spot back in the starting line-up and has really impressed, claiming five assists this term.
Fans were desperate for Pritchard to stay on Wearside and the club eventually offered him a one-year extension earlier this week, however he has now made it clear that he won’t be putting pen to paper on a new deal.
The 30-year-old was set to be named in the line-up for yesterday’s clash with Stoke City, however Sunderland confirmed his withdrawal in a statement only an hour before kick-off.
The statement read: “On Friday morning, Alex Pritchard informed the Club that he was no longer available for selection and he subsequently withdrew from today’s matchday squad.
“The midfielder also expressed his desire to leave SAFC with immediate effect.
“The Club will be making no further comment at this moment in time.”
Fans were left angered by the news, but frustrations were dampened slightly when Sunderland went onto claim a comfortable 3-1 win over Stoke City.
Pritchard’s decision can’t be forgotten though, and Michael Beale was later asked about his situation following the victory at the Stadium of Light.
Speaking to Chronicle Live, the Sunderland boss said: “It’s been ongoing to be honest, not just the last 24 hours.
“He’s a boy who is coming up to the end of his contract and he’s been offered one, I think mentally it has got a bit much for him. Let’s keep the focus on the players who played today.”
Is Alex Pritchard in the right?
Alex Pritchard‘s future has been in doubt for months now and it comes as no surprise that he wants to leave after being treated so unfairly – though the statement so close to kick-off was definitely a shock.
The Black Cats have made it clear that they wanted rid of the midfielder since before the summer, while his contract offer kind of feels like they are just trying to keep the fans happy.
Michael Beale’s claim that ‘it has got a bit too much for him’ also feels quite patronising – like he is trying to put the blame on Pritchard.
As far as I can see, the 30-year-old deserves much more credit and respect than he receives from the board and he is right to leave and go somewhere that can offer him what he wants.
However, the way he has handled it does seem completely wrong. I understand that Pritchard wants to leave, but could he really not play one more match for the club that basically reignited his career?
He could have ended his Sunderland career with nothing but love from the fanbase, but this now leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of some supporters.