Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka criticised his team's failure to do the basics after a 3-1 defeat to Coventry City, saying the players must take accountability for repeated errors that have left the club bottom of the Premier League table.
The Black Cats made several costly mistakes to hand the Sky Blues the initiative, and head coach Regis Le Bris described the team's inconsistency as unacceptable. According to various sources, the manager's job is said to be under threat, despite his status as a hero on Wearside for leading the club to the Premier League via the play-offs, guiding them to seventh place last season, and securing European qualification.
Xhaka's frustration after defeat
Speaking after the match, Xhaka did not hide his frustration, insisting the players must take responsibility for their errors. "It's hard to take," Xhaka told safc.com. "We prepared well and came here with belief, but if we don't do the things we are speaking about, there is no chance to win any game."
The midfielder was particularly critical of the team's inability to perform fundamental tasks correctly, which is costing them any chance of winning at the top level. "There are so many mistakes from our side," he added. "If we don't do the basics, forget about everything else."
Repeated mistakes costing Sunderland
Xhaka bemoaned the fact that the players kept repeating the same errors from game to game. "Every weekend we are making the same mistakes and every weekend we are getting punished," he said.
The defeat leaves Sunderland propping up the rest of the Premier League table, with the team also struggling to score goals. Xhaka's own form has dipped from last season, when he was wanted by Chelsea in the summer.
Supporters let down again
Xhaka acknowledged the frustration of the fans, saying: "It's tough on the supporters – I know they are frustrated and it's the same for us. We have to stick together and believe in each other. We need everyone and I believe we will bounce back."
