Mark Hughes has thrown down the gauntlet to his players ahead of Stoke City’s trip to Wearside, challenging them to bounce back from their Emirates FA Cup exit.
The Potters suffered elimination and bruised pride last weekend as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Championship side – and local rivals – Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Britannia Stadium.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday morning, Hughes pinpointed the threat posed by Jermain Defoe and admitted it will be a tough game.
But that didn't stop the the Welshman from demanding a response at the Stadium Light.
“There are some frustrations within our building because of what happened last weekend. The guys are desperate to put those wrongs to right,” explained Hughes. “I fully expect us to show a response tomorrow, although I acknowledge the difficulties facing us tomorrow.
“It does surprise me how Sunderland struggle early on in the season because whenever we go up there we always find it difficult.”
He continued: “They have struggled defensively and we have threats that can hurt them, but we need to be solid because we have been a little slow in our defensive work.
“Jermain has been an outstanding goalscorer in the Premier League for a long time – regardless of who he has been playing for – he always scores goals and credit to him because he is clearly a guy who thrives off opportunities.
“He can create chances himself too, which is why he has been able to score regularly throughout his career, whether that be in the top-flight here or the MLS.
“If we can be solid then we know we have quality players who can cause problems at the top end of the field.”
