Leeds United travel up to Sunderland this Sunday looking to get back to winning ways. The Black Cats need a response of their own.
This weekend, Leeds make the trip up to the Stadium of Light to take on the side currently sitting bottom of the Premier League.
Meanwhile, the Whites have enjoyed a solid start to the campaign with 10 points from seven games, sitting in seventh.
“We are not dead” – Nordi Mukiele offers warning to Leeds United ahead of Sunderland meeting
After the Black Cats’ sorry defeat at Bournemouth on Sunday, Nordi Mukiele was incredibly outspoken during an interview with the press.
The Frenchman noted arrogance and a lack of effort from his side that has led to them slumping to 20th. Of course, he hopes that tonight’s ongoing clash with Lech Poznan in the Europa League elicits a response, ahead of Leeds heading up to Wearside on Sunday.
Previewing our game at the weekend, Mukiele knows how much of a change is required.
“If I have to be honest, we are not good enough right now,” said Mukiele to Sunderland’s official website. “It’s just the beginning, and football can be like this. At the moment, it doesn’t look like we want something, and we have to work hard to get back to how we were last season.
“Right now, it’s not us and we are not Sunderland. We all need to look at ourselves in the mirror. It’s all of us. We have to get back to basics and be better, because if you are not at the level in this league, we will stay where we are.
“I believe that if you work hard in training, you will get the rewards in the game. To talk is not the solution. We have to work, get back to our level and show what we are.
“I hate being in this position and I don’t like to lose. All of us have to fight to find the solution. We will fight to be better for the next game.”
However, last season’s standout defender is confident that his side can turn things around, starting with our game.
“Do I believe we will go back to the top? Yes, and this starts in training. I believe in this team and I believe in the staff. We have the quality, and I know that we will be out of this position,” he continued.
“We have the chance this week to move on quickly. We have an important game in the Europa League and, after that, we are back in the Premier League. Leeds at home will be the right moment to show everyone we are not dead.”
Leeds United need to heap pressure on poor Sunderland with Sunday victory
We’ve all been impressed with how we’ve fared so far this season. However, it’s time for Daniel Farke to translate good performances into wins, when we all know we’re capable.
You see Man Utd get thumped by Como (albeit a very good side), and it makes you wonder why we didn’t go for the kill against them.
Sunderland look absolutely woeful, and are playing Thursday-Sunday again. There’s no reason why we can’t take the game to them and get a win.
Of course, Mukiele is right. Sunderland will have to respond sharply, otherwise Regis Le Bris and his side are in trouble.
