Daniel Sturridge looks ridiculous after what he said about Sunderland
Daniel Sturridge believes that Sunderland have no chance of qualifying for Europe this season.
Regis Le Bris‘ side sit sixth in the Premier League table, with 23 points after the draw with Liverpool on 3 December.
However, the ex-Reds attacker thinks that the Stadium of Light outfit do not have enough to reach the upper echelons of the top-flight.
He completely dismissed the prospect when asked about it live on air, claiming that the Black Cats should be happy with a top-half finish.
Daniel Sturridge hits back at Sunderland claims
Many observers believe that Sunderland could challenge for European places this season, after their impressive start to the campaign.
Sky Sports host David Jones asked whether their ambitions should be changing and whether they could qualify for an unexpected berth before kick-off against the reigning champions.
However, Sturridge hit back, saying: “I don’t think it is possible [European qualification], top four is clearly not possible for me.
“I mean, I would say a top-half finish, maybe ninth or tenth, I think, is more likely for them, that would be the goal for me, if I was in the camp.
- Read More: Chemsdine Talbi immense as 5/10 proves Regis Le Bris wrong – Sunderland player ratings vs Liverpool
Why Sturridge is wrong about Sunderland’s ambitions
The Black Cats can play with freedom at the moment, as they are 12 points above the relegation zone.
They will be looking up the table, rather than down it, as they have shown that they can compete against anyone in the division.
- Sunderland have only lost three times in 14 matches so far this season
- They have beaten Chelsea and drawn with both Liverpool and Arsenal, last season’s top two
- They will fancy their chances against anybody
Le Bris’ side were the better side for much of the Anfield contest, and they were unlucky that Nordi Mukiele deflected Florian Wirtz’s effort in the Sunderland net.
Otherwise, they would have came away with all three points, and it would have been well deserved, which shows the promise that the Mackems have.
For Sturridge to dismiss the prospect that they could qualify for Europe so out of hand, is simply ridiculous, it would require some luck, perhaps, but it is not an unrealistic possibility right now.
Le Bris and Co. will be more concerned about survival in the top-flight, but their ambitions may well change if they continue to perform the way that they are.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Sunderland news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@mackemnews247