Clean sheets are proof we’re on the right track - Coleman
HARD WORK ON TRAINING GROUND PAYING DIVIDENDS
CHRIS Coleman revealed that little changes have made the big differences when it comes to Sunderland’s defensive performances.
Having failed to keep a clean sheet all season, the Black Cats have now had three shutouts in Coleman’s five games in charge – including a trip to free-scoring Wolves.
Like Sam Allardyce two years ago, the Welshman has made closing the door at the back a priority as he looks to put the Wearsiders back on an even keel.
With games coming thick and fast, Coleman and assistant Kit Symons – both former defenders – have had limited time on the training ground to impose their methods.
But the small changes they have managed to introduce have produced big results so far.
“Session-wise in training we work very hard,” he said. “There was a lot of talk about the lack of clean sheets and that defensively we hadn’t been good enough.
“It is really hard when you are playing game after game to do the sessions and cover everything you want to.
“But we have been trying to put the little blocks in place since we arrived and the players have been pretty good at taking the information on board.
“You just build on that and you are consistent in your messages to the players. There is a certain tempo in training, there has to be.”
While there has been a dramatic improvement in results under Coleman – culminating in the 1-0 home win over Fulham – the players face more hard work.
“It won’t get any easier for the players,” Coleman added.
“We won’t tone it down, we will probably up the ante if anything because we have to try and make them better, that is why we are here.
“We have to make them better as individuals and make them better collectively, that is my job. You don’t do that by being their best friend all of the time.”
But he has promised that the Sunderland players’ hard work will pay off in the long run.
Coleman said: “It is a true saying, the harder you work, the more you put into something you would be amazed at how much luck you get back.
“There is no shortcut for us. We have some huge games to come, it is down to hard work on the training ground.
“That is how we have to work.”