My Black Cats are kittens
Chris Coleman fears his pussycat players won’t survive in the dogfight that lies ahead.
Sunderland crashed out of the FA Cup in the TeesWear derby to rivals Boro.
They are also bottom of the Championship and boss Coleman has been rocked by an injury crisis.
Troub l ed Coleman couldn’t fault his players’ effort but said: “We’re in a dogfight and you don’t go into a dogfight with kittens, that’s for sure.
“I just need whoever is ready for it and the boys today were ready.
“We were naive and nervous but at least they were out there having a go.
“These are the players we need, and they need support in terms of strength and depth.”
Middlesbrough took the lead after 10 minutes when Adama Traore played a perfect ball to Rudy Gestede who slid the bal l under keeper Jason Steele.
Bryan Oviedo looked to spark a comeback but his dangerous cross was dealt with by Boro’s Ben Gibson.
Boro doubled their lead when Steele failed to deal with Stewart Downing’s whipped corner allowing Martin Braithwaite to finish from 10 yards.
Youngster Josh Maja headed against the bar for Sunderland and Tyias Browning forced a fine save from Darren Randolph.
Boro boss Tony Pulis was full of praise for former Barca star Traore.
He said: “Adama’s not just quick but he has great feet when he gets the ball.
“The FA Cup is the best competition in the world. I took a team to Wembley with Stoke and I’d love to do that again with Boro.”