Jack Ross has admitted he has plenty of food for thought as his players return home to Sunderland today.
The Black Cats have completed a six-day tour of Portugal, which has included double training sessions each day as well as two games against Benfica B and Belenenses.
Ross’ side will now return to more familiar surroundings for their final pre-season game against SC Hereenveen on Saturday, with the Scot revealing there’s plenty to stew over as he looks to unleash Sunderland’s attacking threat.
“We are trying to implement a system that enables us to play with a more creative edge to our game,” he said.
“We have got a lot of good players in forward areas and on Saturday I was pleased with their efforts.
“I thought we got the balance right – Duncan (Watmore) was really good and Elliot (Embleton) has been terrific since he came back for pre-season.
“You can see what he can provide in the final third, so I was pleased with that,” he continued.
“What we wanted to get from the game in terms of a challenge was there, but from what we’ve seen from what we’ve worked in was really pleasing.”