Elliott Dickman has revealed his players are primed for the threat that tonight’s European opponents Athletic Club will pose.
Sunderland under-23s host Spanish side Athletic Club at the Stadium of Light, kick-off 7pm, with a Premier League International Cup semi-final slot awaiting the victors.
The young Black Cats head into tonight’s tie unbeaten so far in the competition, and on the back of an emphatic two-goal comeback against Derby County last month which saw them advance to the quarter-finals.
With victories over Benfica and PSV Eindhoven boosting morale earlier in the competition, Dickman is confident ahead of tonight’s clash, admitting his players are aware of Athletic’s style of play.
“We have had a good week and a clear one without any games so we’ve managed to do some training, and the lads have done well,” he said.
“We have been pleased the response from the Man City game but I think they are like that anyway, there is a good work ethic here.
“Tonight will be tough because we know they will be good on the ball, they will have a lot of good technicians and they have got a bit of movement from midfield areas,” he continued.
“They like to press high up and build from the back so it’s a different challenge and a different type of game but the lads have come across it before.”
