Swap apathy for hunger or relegation awaits, boss warns

CHRIS COLEMAN says Sunderland will end up relegated unless they shake off the ‘apathy’ they showed in their miserable 3-0 defeat at Sheffield United.

The Black Cats delivered the worst performance of Coleman’s seven-game reign – and one of their worst of the season – as they were brushed aside with ease by the Blades.

And Coleman admits his side, which remains third-bottom, will have to improve significantly on this showing if they are to have any hope of avoiding relegation.

“I’m bitterly disappointed in the performance,” he said.

“We swallowed it, whatever Sheffield United threw at us.

“As soon as went 1-0 down, we accepted a low-level performance from each other.

“In the second half, from the kick-off we were OK, but then we conceded the second one which was unforgivable really.

“I could sit here all night and tell you how bad this, that, and the other, was.

“It’s the first time I have seen it from them – when you are in this position, it is not anger, it’s apathy that is very, very dangerous. I’ve been here for seven games and I haven’t seen that before in a performance.”

Coleman added: “We win one game and everybody gets a bit excited, but then we reveal ourselves.

“We’re here [third-bottom] for a reason and unless we get better, and look stronger and meaner and hungrier, then we are never going to get away from where we are.”