Timur Tutierov tells the inside story of his European debut and remarkable Sunderland journey so far
The Ukrainian forward was handed his full debut in the 2-1 win over Torreense in Portugal
Timur Tutierov said his full Sunderland debut was a dream come true as the Black Cats claimed a dramatic comeback win in Portugal.
The Ukrainian youngster came off the bench in the Carabao Cup win over Hull City earlier this season but an injury to Wilson Isidor saw him handed his first start in the Europa League.
The 21-year-old completed the full game for his side and after an excellent pre-season, has played his way firmly into contention for more minutes in the cup fixtures that lie ahead.
Sunderland found themselves 1-0 down on the hour mark in Leiria against SCU Torreense but fought back to complete a dramatic comeback and make it a full debut to remember for Tutierov.
“It’s unbelievable," he said.
"It just shows that when you dream, there is something that can come true. It is a very big moment for myself and my family. I really appreciate the boys who helped me in the dressing room and the gaffer who trusts me. It is a very big step in my career.
“I found out three days before the game. I tried to keep it secret to make it a big surprise for all my family, but it was something I wasn’t really able to keep secret. I could not keep my mouth shut. Everyone knew three days before.
“I didn’t feel nervous in a bad way. There were a few nerves there, but I think they were good nerves. There was a bit of pressure on me, but that just helped me prepare for the game. I would rather have known earlier rather than later.
“It was a tough game. They were not bad opposition. The expectation from us was high. Obviously, we expected a bit of a different scenario, but I think we can be happy with the result."
Tutierov joined the Sunderland academy in 2023 and while the move brought challenges as he adjusted to life in a new country, the hard work is starting to pay off.
The 21-year-old is hoping to keep progressing and be one of a number of players to represent Ukraine on the global stage as the country continues to resist a Russian invasion.
“My family were watching from back in Ukraine," he said.
"Unfortunately, they were not able to come for the game. I wish they had been able to. I hope they can come to Sunderland soon and see me playing. It has been a very nice experience for me in England. It was hard in the beginning because I was very young but I think it helped me to adapt. At a young age, I think you are able to adapt much quicker than maybe if you make the move when you are much older. It’s hard when my parents and family are away and here have been times where I have wished they were with me. But it’s an adult life now – I have to live it like this.
“For sure, I feel a responsibility as a Ukrainian sportsman because I am representing my country in the world. The better I do, the more attention I can bring to my country and people can see what is happening.”
Tutierov says is aim behind the scenes is to keep working to ensure he is ready for any further opportunities that come his way. The forward says he is trying to learn from Sunderland's established strikers in training and putting a particularly focus on being able to cope with the physical demands of modern football.
"I am trying to get physically stronger," he said.
"We are doing a lot of work at the minute to try to get bigger and stronger. I think modern football demands that, you have to be strong. I think my pre-season was important for that. It helped me physically, but it also gave me a lot of strengths in terms of psychology. I understood that I could perform at this level and hat was very helpful for me.
“I learn so much from being around Brian and Wilson. They are really good people. I try to talk with them and ask advice about what I am doing. Especially from Wilson because I think we are quite a similar type of player. We rely on our speed quite a lot. There is also a lot I can take from Brian, although I am not Brian in terms of his physical attributes. I don’t really think anyone is!
"The only thing I can do is keep working. Sometimes, expectations do not come true. I try to not think too far ahead and just make sure my standards are high every day. Then, when my chance comes, whether it is because someone is injured or I have been better in training, hopefully I can take it because I am in a good condition."
The start capped a remarkable few months for Tutierov, who had at one stage been expected to depart the club this summer before being handed a new contract. That was in part due to his excellent U21 and training performances, and also with one eye on the heavy schedule that the Black Cats will face this season. Even if the goal didn't come on this occasion, the youngster applied himself well and it seems certain that there will be more opportunities in the weeks ahead.
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