'I know': Sunderland midfielder delivers first thoughts on Newcastle United clash and what players must do first
Sunderland face Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon
Noah Sadiki says the Sunderland squad are fully aware of the importance of Sunday's Wear-Tyne derby against Newcastle United.
The Black Cats face Eddie Howe's side at the Stadium of Light next weekend and Sadiki says it is a challenge that the squad are relishing. The youngster also pointed out that an initial phase of recovery would be key for Sunderland after a demanding week in which they played Liverpool and Manchester City away in back-to-back fixtures.
“It is still a bit difficult to talk about it [the derby] straight after the game," Sadiki said.
"We need to take our rest first, then a few days before the game, we can really focus on it and prepare for what is coming. We will be thinking about it during the week. I know how much it means to the fans – we all do. You don’t have to be with Sunderland for very long to appreciate what this game means to everyone. That’s why we’re all looking forward to it, but we need to get a bit of rest first because it’s been a long, long week."
Sadiki is one of a number of Sunderland players who participation in the game was in some doubt due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
“I’m going to be staying to play in this game, and I’m really pleased about that," Sadiki said.
"The decision came quite late, but now I know I can stay and that’s good. I’m really focused on this game and then I will switch to starting to think about playing for my country."
Sadiki will be able to lean on his experiences in Belgium, where his status as a former Anderlecht player representing Union Saint-Gilloise led to some extra attention from opposition fans.
“I’ve played in derbies in Brussels before, and they were big games," Sadiki said.
"When I was with Union Saint-Gilloise, the big derby game was against Anderlecht, and it was probably even bigger for me because I left Anderlecht to join them. I remember the game I played against them. It was special. It was the first time I got booed in a stadium – and it happened right through the game. That was certainly a bit different. It was a special moment, and it’s always cool to play in these types of games. That’s why you started to playing football, to experience this type of occasion."
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
Granit Xhaka’s message to Sunderland fans after Man City defeat
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.