We are not robots, says Maguire
CHRIS Maguire has hit back at Sunderland’s critics, echoing the thoughts of his manager Jack Ross on the negativity surrounding the club.
Prior to Rotherham’s visit to the Stadium of Light on Tuesday evening, Ross caused a stir as he lost his rag over a question about a poor performance at Accrington Stanley.
His perception was that there was too much negativity surrounding the club, despite losing just one of their opening nine games of the season.
The mood among supporters wasn’t helped by the disappointing 1-1 draw with the Millers, but ahead of the game star man Maguire echoed his manager’s thoughts.
He told the match day programme: “We aren’t robots. If things clicked into gear every week then we wouldn’t be playing in this league, it’s as simple as that.
“We know on our day if we click then we are a match for anybody, and we can really take it to teams. That weekend against AFC Wimbledon everything fell into place. We need to make sure our home is somewhere people fear coming. We don’t want away fans and players turning up in the nice surroundings and thinking they’re going to enjoy the football. We want teams to leave thinking they don’t want to come back anytime soon.
“That weekend against Wimbledon we did that. The crowd were great too and they have a big part to play because they can be the difference. As long as they see us working our socks off and putting in the work then together we can have a good season.”
He continued: “Everyone wants to see attacking and free-flowing football. Of course, we haven’t been happy with all the draws and the talk that’s come with it.
“There are times when you have to settle in games and tighten up, be sensible and make wise decisions. We know at home we shouldn’t be doing that.
“Away from home is a different story, but certainly at home we should be taking it to teams. We should get one, then a second and then go for the kill. The more we get the more teams will fear us.”
On a personal level Maguire has started the season well with four league goals to his name already. Sunderland, after the Rotherham draw, sit fourth, four points behind leaders Coventry City with a game in hand.