safc.com catch up with Adnan Januzaj ahead of Saturday’s Stadium of Light clash with Southampton (KO 3pm).
The on-loan Manchester United forward reflected on a day to remember at Selhurst Park, talked about a blossoming partnership with Jermain Defoe and much more.
Adnan, no better place to start than Saturday’s brilliant win over Crystal Palace – a great performance from the boys?
AJ: “It was a really good three points for us because we needed a win, so everyone is happy and the confidence within the team is high going into another big game this weekend."
It must have given them team a really big lift because of the way we played and how emphatic the victory was?
AJ: “Of course, but during the last few weeks we’ve felt like we’re playing like more of a team and everyone is really giving their all for each other. We’re helping each other on the pitch and I think it’s really starting to show in our performances and our results.”
On a personal note you must have been very pleased with your performance, which of course included two assists?
AJ: “It was but I still need to do more than this. I’m looking forward to playing against Southampton and hopefully I can play well, but getting the three points is the most important thing and if we get them I’ll be happy.”
Do you feel like Saturday’s win was your best game in a Sunderland shirt?
AJ: “I wouldn’t say I’d played badly in the games before but obviously people are talking because I got the assists and made a difference. It was a good game for me there is no doubt, and when there is more confidence in the team it’s easier for me and JD to create because we’re playing much better.”
It’s always good to freshen things up in the dressing room – how much have the new boys helped?
AJ: “It’s nice to have them here and we saw on Saturday how good they are. Bryan [Oviedo] had a very good game from start to finish, and Gibbo kept the ball really well after he came off the bench. They’re very good signings and Joleon was also very strong at the back when we needed it.”
Great to have Lamine and Didier back as well, with Didier providing real energy in midfield?
AJ: “Like I said before it’s much easier for me and JD when the team are playing with confidence, but Didier also helps because he brings the midfield a lot closer to us. Everyone got up the pitch really quick on Saturday and I think it showed with the chances we created. It was a real team effort."
You’ve mentioned Jermain a couple of times – how much are you enjoying playing with him?
AJ: “I really like playing with him even though he always asks for the ball! He’s an unbelievable striker and you can see that with his goals on Saturday because they weren’t easy chances. He’s someone I can learn a lot from.”
And you seem to be building up a really good understanding of one another?
AJ: “In the last few games we’ve linked really well and I think we have a good relationship with each other. We’re enjoying playing together and hopefully he can score many more goals.”
Southampton up this weekend – a game we’re looking to win?
AJ: “We will try and win the game because we’re playing at home. The fans were amazing last weekend at Palace and I’m pleased they haven’t been criticising us – they’ve stuck by the team – so they always cheer us up and hopefully we can give them another win this weekend.”