'Refocus' – Granit Xhaka issues clear message to Sunderland fans ahead of Newcastle United game
Granit Xhaka reacts to Man City defeat on Instagram with message of focus as attention turns to the Wear-Tyne derby
Granit Xhaka has vowed that Sunderland will "refocus on the next match" after the Black Cats fell to a 3-0 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.
Sunderland held their shape well early on before Ruben Dias’ deflected strike broke the deadlock, with Josko Gvardiol heading in a second soon after. Phil Foden later added a third after a flowing move, while Sunderland came close to changing the momentum through Wilson Isidor and Xhaka, who struck the base of the post at 2-0.
The 33-year-old midfielder posted a photo of himself looking frustrated after full-time, writing: "Not the result we aimed for, but we refocus on the next match. #GX34" His post has already attracted more than 17,000 likes, with thousands of supporters responding beneath to show their backing ahead of derby week.
One positive to emerge from the evening was that both Xhaka and midfielder Noah Sadiki avoided bookings, meaning the pair will be available for next Sunday’s Wear-Tyne derby against Newcastle United – a key boost for Régis Le Bris given their influence at the heart of midfield. Sunderland now turns their attention to that game, with Xhaka’s message summing up the mood: setbacks happen, but focus shifts quickly. Next up is Derby Day on Wearside this coming Sunday at the Stadium of Light.
Régis Le Bris offers injury update
Régis Le Bris says Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra is set to miss next weekend’s Wear-Tyne derby, with the head coach admitting the fixture against Newcastle United will likely come too soon for the 21-year-old.
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Diarra has been stepping up his recovery following groin surgery earlier this season and had been in a race to return in time for the derby. While progress has been positive, Le Bris believes the timing will work against him. The Frenchman did, however, offer encouragement elsewhere, revealing that Reinildo is expected to return after sitting out the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City with a groin issue. "For Rei, it could be okay but for Habib, it would be too short, I think," Le Bris said.
Sunderland will also have Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki available for the derby after both avoided a booking at the Etihad. Le Bris moved to withdraw the pair late on, protecting them for Sunday’s clash, with Romaine Mundle and Simon Adingra introduced instead.
Le Bris later explained his decision not to turn to Dan Neil was to keep attacking momentum, with Lutsharel Geertruida pushed into midfield. "Yes, because we tried to stay in the game, to provoke something," he said. "I think with offensive players on the side, it was more or less the idea. It didn't work, but we tried."