‘We have to cut the past loose and attack it’ – Chris Coleman’s hard-hitting message to players

‘We have to cut the past loose and attack it’ – Chris Coleman’s hard-hitting message to players

Sunderland travel to London to face Millwall on Saturday acutely aware of their shortcomings which see them hemmed in at the foot of the Championship table. Five points adrift of Barnsley, whose match this weekend is postponed, Black Cats manager Chris Coleman is aware that victory against the Lions will offer the genuine prospect of avoiding a second consecutive relegation.

Coleman didn’t hold back at his pre-match press conference, according to local news outlet the Chronicle. His squad must face the current situation and show real character if they are to avoid the drop to League One.

“The only thing we can effect now is what’s in front of us. Concentrate on that, attack it and have a go.

“You’ll be amazed where you can reach and what you can achieve with just having a go, not missing the moment, not missing the challenge.

“And those are the constant messages I give to the players, whoever is playing.”

Heavily reliant upon youth, avoiding a bottom-three finish will be a tall order for Sunderland. Millwall are on the cusp of the promotion play-offs and run-ins against the likes of Aston Villa, Derby, Fulham, Burton, Reading and Wolverhampton Wanderers, is tough by anyone’s standards.

However, the former Wales boss believes his players must enjoy the challenge if they are to succeed.

“If you’re afraid of giving everything you’ve got because there’s no guarantees of taking everything then these moments are not going to be for you.

“If you’re not afraid of defeat and failure – on the back of you absolutely maxing out and emptying everything that you’ve got – then these moments are for you and you’ll enjoy it.”

While the first-team is in London, the club is rightly gathering much praise for opening its’ doors to the homeless in the current spell of harsh weather.

For a sport where clubs are much-criticised for their unrelenting pursuit of money, to find a club with a strong sense of social responsibility and thriving links with the local community is a pleasing contrast.