Max Power has given his overview of the 2020-21 season so far at the Stadium of Light.
As we head into a weekend without Sunderland in action, the captain has given an overview of the opening month of the season and the team’s aspirations moving forward.
“I think we’ve had a solid start,” Power declared.
“We could have been better, but we’ve had a look at the games and there are some things that we’re disappointed with – we could have taken maximum points – but we’re working hard in all areas of the pitch to try and turn the draws into wins.
“But I think with the start we’ve had and the fixtures that have been thrown up for us, we’re happy enough. It’s important that you lay down a marker early in the season – I think coming away from all the games we’ve played, there have been good aspects every time and we’re just getting to that stage now where we’re looking to fine-tune our game.”
Power analysed the strengths of Phil Parkinson’s team early doors – particularly defensively, and outlined how crucial it is to continue the positive momentum which sees the Black Cats remain unbeaten in Sky Bet League One thus far.
“We want to come back and hit the ground running and try and work our way into that top two – if you look at the first few games, you’ll see that with injuries and suspensions we’ve used a lot of the squad, and they’ve all stepped in and done the job well.
“It’s important when you play for a club like Sunderland that you have to perform when you’re in the team. We have a lot of competition for places which is always good and healthy, and like I say, we drive each other on in training – everyone has the mentality to train and perform well, which stands us in good stead.
“We work very hard on the training pitch to limit other teams from having chances. And that’s not just credit to the lads at the back, we work as a defensive unit. The front line starts it off, they press; the midfield then follows, and we have a real solid unit at the back. Earning clean sheets is a good habit to get into, and certainly gives you a better chance to go and win the game.”
After being made skipper in the summer, Power explained how much he has relished the responsibility – and stressed that the leadership in the camp comes from numerous sources.
“I said when [the captaincy] got announced that it’s probably the proudest moment of my career to date.
“I understand how much this football club means to the region, and to be given the responsibility of captaining the side is something I’m going to cherish.
“It’s not just me – we’ve sort of formed a committee, myself, Grant [Leadbitter] and Bailey [Wright]. We’re here to help and guide everyone here – not just the players but everyone around the building. The last two league games I’ve missed and Bailey’s had the armband on, and led the lads fantastically well. We have lads all throughout the team who have shown real leadership qualities.”
Finally, the midfield man talked about the unprecedented times we are all facing as one – and that he has high hopes that there is a light already visible at the end of the tunnel to make progress with reintegrating groups of supporters into the Stadium of Light in the future.
“Football without fans is of course strange, it’s an eerie feeling and we much prefer to have the fans there backing us. Empty stadiums aren’t what football is about – 2020 has obviously been a strange year for everyone.
“Fans are crucial to everything, and as I’ve said, I understand how much the club means to everyone there – it’s people’s lives, it’s our lives as footballers, so hopefully we can come through these turbulent times and it isn’t too long.
“It’s been disappointing where we seemed close to slowly introducing fans back in, but we’re all looking forward to a full Stadium of Light.”