Coleman welcomes anxiety as long as Cats still have hope

Chris Coleman is hoping for plenty more “sleepless nights, anxiety and nerves” over the coming weeks as it will mean Sunderland are still scrapping for survival.

Sunderland host Norwich City at the Stadium of Light tonight looking to put a significant dent in the seven point gap to safety, with five games to play.

Clearly time is running out but Coleman has demanded his players produce another performance, with the boss determined to maintain their recent momentum.

Coleman said: “Our last three games – Derby, Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds – have been tough but we could and should have won all three.

“We know all about Norwich, but it’s not about them it’s about Sunderland,and it’s about us getting our game right.

“This gam eis must-win, and if we win then Reading will be must-win, and win that and Burton will be must-win.

“Every game is a must-win game while we are fighting for survival, and the more must-win games we have, the better because at least we know we are still in the fight. “The pressure will be on but in a good way, because it means that the worst hasn’t happened. “We’re hoping and praying that there will still be sleepless nights, anxiety and nerves, because that means we are still in the hunt.”

Norwich are comfortable in 12th, with the Canaries set to finish mid-table.

Coleman added: “You can play teams like that and they are playing beach football because there is no pressure on them, and sometimes they can play magical football because they are gambling and it pays off.

“But sometimes they can be lacklustre because they have nothing to play for.

“It’s difficult to know which way it will go.

“Norwich have just beaten Aston Villa which was a great result for them. We just have to make sure that we are at it.”