Mark Atkinson has insisted he must see a response from his players in Saturday’s match against Blackburn Rovers.
Sunderland under-18s continue their Premier League campaign this weekend at the Academy of Light, with the visit of Rovers to Wearside.
The youth team suffered defeat last week at home to Everton, producing an out of sorts display which left Atkinson frustrated and disappointed after his side had made positive strides prior to the international break with two wins - against Stoke City and West Ham United - in three matches.
“There are certain values that we have as an under-18s team that we didn’t fulfil on Saturday,” Atkinson said.
“That is one of the most disappointing things because the standards set by the players and the club are high.
“The players have got to manage those expectations and meet them because when they don’t we have a problem.
“We now need a response, it is as simple as that,” he continued.
“Blackburn themselves go into Saturday’s match on the back of a 6-0 defeat to Stoke City as well so they will be getting the same messages as our players.
“It is all about responding and that has been the message from us in training and as professionals the players must want to do that themselves.”
