DON’T BE LIKE A WHEELBARROW*
(*That’s a player who is only good when you push them)
CHRIS COLEMAN has ordered his Sunderland squad to stop being “like wheelbarrows”.
He is demanding they find their own motivation to battle against Brentford today rather than needing to be urged on from the dugout.
“We don’t want players like wheelbarrows who are only good when you push them,” explained the Black Cats boss.
“Individually there has to be accountability and responsibility. It’s not about people growling at you all the time. You have to push yourself.
“The first bump in the road they’ll fall over anyway. I say push yourself. We’ve seen glimpses. Psychologically we have to overcome that.”
Sunderland have two home games this week, and are buoyed by a threegoal comeback for a point at Bristol City last time out.
Coleman allowed the dressing room to fall quiet at half time so his men could stew on their shortcomings, and find answers. He also switched from five at the back, but insisted it was the attitude of his team which was at fault in the first half, not his formation. Sunderland are in the drop zone and Coleman said: “Last
week needs to be a turning point. The second 45 minutes obviously. It could be one of those moments that turns things around for us. It wasn’t three points but the second half was gutsy and we need that for 90 minutes now to pull away from where we are.
“The players delivered something from nothing. I had been angry. We have gifted goals. Criminal defending.
“Personality and attitude, that’s what it’s about. Motivation. Whatever formation. We changed second half against City, but it was a change of attitude in the second half that did it.
“There’s so much happened at this club. I’m trying to get away from it. I don’t want to be dragged into a load of negativity.
“All we can do is what can effect the club... the football on the pitch.”
Coleman was impressed by the way Lee Cattermole led the revival against City. He added: “We need to play with a bit of bite. Be greedy.
“Lee led it really well. He was winning tackles, he was vocal but it can’t just be Lee, it has to be all of them.
“You’re only as good as your weakest man. That’s the chain.
“There’s no hiding place for any of them. It’s how you cope with that demand and challenge.”