Phil Parkinson on the style fans can expect his Sunderland team to play in

Phil Parkinson has promised to get the best out Sunderland’s creative talents, but insists that his side must improve out of possession.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Jack Ross was criticised at times for his style of play and there have been some concerns from sections of the support given that Parkinson was known for employing a direct style with his Bolton Wanderers side.

Parkinson, though, says he is a pragmatist who will make the most of Sunderland’s technical talents.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He has nevertheless identified his side’s defending when turning over possession as a key area for improvement.

Phil Parkinson has promised to make the most of Sunderland's 'technical players'Phil Parkinson has promised to make the most of Sunderland's 'technical players'
Phil Parkinson has promised to make the most of Sunderland's 'technical players'

“In my managerial career, I’ve managed a lot of teams and played a lot of different styles,” Parkinson said.

Read More
Phil Parkinson eager to make a long-term impression at Sunderland after assuranc...

“Sometimes I find the mistake of a manager is to go into a club and try to impact what you want to do when you haven’t got the players to do it.

“Sunderland have got technical players who can pass the ball. That’s what I want to do.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“But equally, without the ball, we have got to be better,” he added.

“We’ve got to make sure that when we’re attacking, when we lose possession, we don’t look vulnerable and like we’re going to concede.

“The top teams in any league, in any league, will be the best team at doing both sides of the game.”

Parkinson said the Black Cats were ‘very unlucky’ to fall just short of promotion last season, and that is his job to find the extra 10-15% that can get them over the line in the coming months.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In an early assessment of a squad he says he knows well, he believes he has what he needs in the current group.

He did, however, give a clear indication that he will look to strengthen come January.

“I think there’s talent in the squad,” he said.

“I think the team can be improved within the group.

“We’ve got to get more out of the individuals, which will help the team as a collective.

“I feel the answers are there [within the squad] but of course, we’ve discussed in the interviews that if in January we need a boost, which often happens, then the board will be very supportive.”