Lee Johnson press conference RECAP: Everything Sunderland head coach had to say ahead of huge Ipswich Town clash including details on Anthony Patterson recall, Nathan Broadhead and Aiden McGeady's fitness
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Black Cats have had over a week to prepare for the fixture following their 1-1 draw with Bradford in the Papa John’s Trophy.
Sunderland’s game against Lincoln, which was scheduled to be played last weekend, was postponed due to international fixtures meaning Johnson’s side have slipped out of the play-off places due to other results.
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Hide AdWhile sitting seventh in the table, Sunderland do have games in hand on the sides above them, yet heavy defeats at Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday have raised concerns on Wearside.
Johnson will speak to the media today as his team prepare for a busy run of fixtures which will see them play seven times in 22 days.
We’ll have live updates from the Academy of Light:
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LIVE: Lee Johnson’s pre-Ipswich press conference
Key Events
- Sunderland will return to action when they face Ipswich in League One this weekend.
- Lee Johnson provides details on Anthony Patterson’s recall.
- Nathan Broadhead giving Lee Johnson food for thought.
- Lee Johnson wants Sunderland to ‘stamp their authority’ on League One.
- Johnson provides update on Aiden McGeady
Johnson maintains belief
“As a manager you always feel at the mercy of the footballing gods but I’ve got a strong belief in the players and the project at what we can do.
“I’m confident in what we can change and what we can improve.”
Johnson on young squad
“With the young players we’ve got, particularly down that left side - let’s be honest if they were the finished article one would still be with Tottenham and the other would be at Man City.
“There’s clearly talent within our squad, we really believe that.
“For me the process over the last couple of weeks has been to make sure the individuals are honest.”
Mcgeady will be important
“Geads played unbeknown to us with a hamstring injury at Rotherham. It ended up having a detrimental effect in that particular game.
“We’ve had to go back to the drawing board with him.
“The game is about more than two or three minutes each individual has on the ball. He’s going to be an important player for us over the next 11 games. “
Johnson hoping to stamp authority on League One
“We definitely had areas that we’ve had to resolve. There’s so many narratives in house. In football they get quickly highlighted in short-spells.
“We get to set off on a new journey and I think we can really stamp our authority on this division over the next 11 games.
“We want to prove to everyone we’re worthy of their encouragement and their belief.”