View: Sunderland U21s should embrace European challenge as tournament begins this week
Sunderland Under-21s will compete in the International Cup this season, and Robin Nicholls has discussed the upcoming European fixtures.
The club’s Academy Manager has talked up the importance of development and progress over results, as has always been the focus for the youngsters at the Academy of Light.
The Black Cats take on Athletic Club (Bilbao) at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday evening, and will go on to face Borussia Monchengladbach, Lyon and Benfica.
Speaking to the club’s official YouTube channel [9 September], Nicholls said: “This competition is a result of how well the U21 boys did last season, and gives them a chance to play against some of the best academies in Europe, maybe even the world.
“Again, the development comes before the importance of results at this level, but reaching the PL2 play-off final last year has unlocked this competition for us.
“The boys will be facing challenges they’ve probably never come across before, up against four teams in the group from four different, really well-established footballing nations with different styles of play and coaching.”
Sunderland U21 side relishing new challenge
Sunderland – whilst flying early doors in the Championship – have endured a rollercoaster with the fortunes of their academy sides in recent years, but the sky is the limit at the moment.
After a superb achievement by the U18s in 2022-23 to finish second narrowly behind Manchester City in the age group’s Premier League, the U21s replicated it by finishing play-off runners-up to Tottenham last season.
In the process, some excellent players have flourished under the watchful eye of Nicholls, and the academy lead coaches such as Graeme Murty, John Hewitson, Jordan Moore and Fin Lynch.
Wearside has of late been a fantastic breeding ground for young talent, with the club exhibiting a pathway for their teenage stars which is largely unrivalled – shown by established senior academy graduates Anthony Patterson and Dan Neil alongside the exciting new crop of first-team teenagers such as Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg and Eliezer Mayenda.
The club will hope for a solid start to the group stage against Athletic Club with several youngsters showing their capabilities against some of the best on the continent.
The U21s’ pre-season camp in Italy offered a glimpse of their fortunes against European opponents, but this is now when they are all up to speed.
In other Sunderland news, Kristjaan Speakman outlines plans for the January transfer window.
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