Gus Poyet makes ‘ugly’ Sunderland admission after Premier League promotion
Gus Poyet has revelled in the success of Sunderland as they returned to the Premier League.
The Uruguayan took the top job at the Stadium of Light in October 2013 and performed the great escape in his first season, winning 13 points from a possible 15 to survive, including wins at Chelsea and Manchester United.
Poyet also led the Black Cats to the League Cup final in 2014, but was sacked in March 2015 after another poor season left Sunderland just one point above the drop.
The Wearsiders confirmed their return to the Premier League after defeating Sheffield United 2-1 at Wembley, and Poyet couldn’t hide his delight at his former side’s success in the play-offs.
He did, however, make an admission about what he saw from the Black Cats.
Poyet admits that Sunderland went up through pure grit
Poyet has admitted that Sunderland didn’t play attractive football to win promotion, but that winning without playing well was their best chance.
The Black Cats struck at key moments during their play-off campaign despite not being the better side in large parts, as shown with Dan Ballard’s late winner over Coventry City.
Speaking to EPL Index, Poyet said: “They’ve done it without playing fantastic, and sometimes that’s what you need, to play ugly and win. That’s your best chance going into the Premier League.
“When you win a final and the man of the match is the goalkeeper, then perhaps you don’t deserve it, but Sheffield United were always the favourites. It’s a way of winning.”
The ex-Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder also sent a message to the Sunderland fans, who finally celebrate top-flight football again after eight chaotic seasons away, including four seasons in League One.
Poyet said: “Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy it as much as you can. Support the team and the coach.
“It’s going to be the same coach and they know that things can change very quickly and they need to be the extra man to help their club stay in the Premier League. They’ll need you.”
Never-say-die attitude could help Sunderland survive
Sunderland’s season has been about fighting until the end, as shown by crucial late goals in every game in their play-off run, while they were on the back foot in all three.
Regis Le Bris will know he needs to bring this attitude into the Premier League if his side wants to become the first promoted side since 2022/23 to survive relegation.
The Black Cats are looking at options to bring more Premier League experience to their squad, with Jordan Henderson heavily linked with a return to the Stadium of Light.
However, no matter what happens in the top flight, Sunderland’s resilience in this play-off run has brought pride back to the city.