Sunderland told ‘change’ needed after Coventry City loss – Exclusive
Sunderland suffered from one of their poorest performances of the season on Saturday as they went down 3-0 to Coventry City.
The miserable day against Frank Lampard’s side sparked fears among the Black Cats fans that they could approach the play-offs in a rut.
Sunderland are 12 points clear of the cut-off of the play-offs, but are now nine points behind the automatic promotion spots.
Sunderland urged to make ‘change’
Sunderland have to make a “change” to their form ahead of the Championship run-in, according to Ian Darke.
The TV commentator and football analysis expert exclusively told Mackem News that they must approach the inevitable play-off campaign on a good note.
Darke also acknowledged that it could be a positive that Sunderland know they will finish below the top two this term as they can spend longer preparing.
He believes later on in the season we could see Regis Le Bris make alterations to his team in preparation as May gets closer.
“I think it’s going to be quite a good thing for Sunderland that they know quite far out that it’s not going to be the automatics,” Darke said.
“If they want to go up, they’ll have to do it via the play-offs. There could possibly be a situation where Le Bris’ team selections reflect that they’re planning for that, though not just yet.
“It’s hard to turn form on and off again, so to be bang on it for a play-off semi-final is important – they can’t let themselves drift. They have to change that form. They deserve to be in the play-offs, but perform well in them as well.”
Coventry defeat makes for frustrating international break timing
The comprehensive defeat by Coventry comes at an annoying time for Sunderland, who must now wait a fortnight to put things right in the league.
Several players are now going their separate ways for international duty at various age levels, though it will be one fewer now as Dennis Cirkin sustained a hamstring injury which is likely to deny him a debut for England Under-21s.
| POS | Championship table 2024-25 | PLD | PTS | GD |
| 1 | Leeds United | 38 | 80 | +51 |
| 2 | Burnley | 38 | 78 | +41 |
| 3 | Sheffield United | 37 | 77 | +24 |
| 4 | SUNDERLAND | 38 | 69 | +18 |
| 5 | Coventry City | 38 | 59 | +7 |
| 6 | West Bromwich Albion | 38 | 57 | +14 |
Le Bris is currently unsure of the prognosis on Cirkin’s issue, as he was replaced by Jenson Seelt – the Dutchman has himself struggled with his fitness since arriving at the Stadium of Light in 2023.
Sunderland return in a fortnight to Wearside and round off March in the Championship with a home clash against Millwall (29 March).