Andrew Taylor has urged Sunderland’s players to regroup and respond ahead of a big week at the Stadium of Light.
The first-team coach will oversee the club’s midweek fixture against Burton Albion following the departure of Phil Parkinson, with Wigan Athletic heading to Wearside just a few days later.
A former player, the 34-year-old admitted that managerial changes can be tough for all involved, but he insisted the squad must put any emotions to one side and be ready for action.
Speaking ahead of the game, Taylor pulled no punches and challenged the Lads to reignite their promotion push with back-to-back home wins.
“It’s always a big change for players when a manager leaves because it brings about a lot of uncertainty, but lads have been brilliant,” he said.
“They were great in training on Monday morning and ahead of the game, the message from us has been simple – we want them to go out and express themselves, play with freedom and enjoy it.”
He continued: “The bottom line is that we’re still in a very good position in the league and we’re still within touching distance of the top two.
“I said to the lads this morning that football moves fast, so we haven’t got time to feel sorry for ourselves or to let the emotions of what’s happened affect us.
“Whether I’m here or not, the end goal for this squad this season has to be promotion and that will not change.
“December is a big month for us and there is a lot of football to be played, starting with two big home games that we will aim to take six points from.”