Exclusive:Phil Bardsley backs Sunderland to avoid relegation - if they make one key ‘sacrifice’
Phil Bardsley has been discussing Sunderland’s survival hopes this season.
Phil Bardsley has backed Sunderland to avoid relegation from the Premier League this season, but has suggested that the Black Cats may have to sacrifice their Europa League run to do so.
Heading into the second international break of the campaign, Regis Le Bris’ men find themselves in the bottom three of the top flight, but did pick up a vital win over Chelsea last time out to lift themselves off the foot of the table. And in Bardsley’s view, that result could provide a platform on which his former club can build their survival bid - even if it means prioritising their domestic duties over their newfound continental commitments in the process.
Speaking exclusively to The Echo, courtesy of NetBet casino UK, the pundit said: “I think Sunderland will be okay. I think the squad's probably strong enough. Maybe they need to add probably another couple in the window in certain areas, but I think they've done okay. Obviously, down the bottom of the league is never where you want to be, but I don't think the performances reflect the results. I think some of the performances have been okay, and they’ve just been unfortunate at times.
“But I certainly do think that the European run does affect the league form. I think it's a decision for the manager and the club. There are conversations. I think they're going to have to sacrifice one, and I think it's probably going to have to be Europe to maintain Premier League status, because that's ultimately the bread and butter. That's what they've worked towards and that's what they deserve.
“I think if they were to pick one, they'd sacrifice going out of Europe, and try and build on pushing up that league. They've got the squad, they've got the capabilities to push on, but I think it's going to be a bit of a scrap this season.”
Join the Echo’s WhatsApp SAFC Channel for the latest news, team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join.
On Le Bris, and whether he is the right man to guide Sunderland to safety over the coming months, Bardsley added: “I think the manager is the right guy for the job. I think he deserves to keep leading the team forward. I'm a big fan of his, of what he's done, but it's going to be a big ask this year.
“It's a case of momentum, and I think that comes from confidence. I think it's so difficult when you’re losing games and you can't see where your next win's coming from. But you're getting a big scalp like that against someone like Chelsea, it should give them so much confidence going into the next fixture. Hopefully players go well in the international break, come back unscathed and they can kick on.
“If you're playing against teams like Chelsea and getting decent results, then you shouldn't really fear anyone, especially at home. I think the home form's always been key for the club. I think winning games at home just brings that confidence and that belief to the fans and to the players.”