‘Motivation’ – Sunderland star Robin Roefs reveals truth behind pointed photo against Newcastle United
Robin Roefs has explained how Newcastle United’s past actions were used as extra motivation behind Sunderland’s pointed on-pitch photo
Robin Roefs has revealed that Sunderland’s now-iconic post-match photograph in front of the Roker End was not entirely off the cuff, admitting it had been referenced in the build-up and used as a source of motivation.
The moment came after a tense Wear-Tyne derby victory at the Stadium of Light, a result settled by Nick Woltemade’s second-half header and one that carried plenty of edge long after the final whistle. As the celebrations unfolded, Sunderland’s players gathered in front of their most vocal supporters to pose for a team photo.
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It was a pointed response to Newcastle United’s own habit of doing the same following significant wins. That included their FA Cup success in January 2024, when they beat then-Championship Sunderland 3-0 and posed in front of the North Stand and their away following.
This time, it was Sunderland delivering the message, with the image instantly embraced by the home crowd. The sense of needle had been building throughout the afternoon, not least when Woltemade was withdrawn in the second half and serenaded by supporters after channelling his inner Niall Quinn to score the decisive goal. His header now takes its place among the catalogue of memorable derby moments at the Stadium of Light; rarely has a contribution involving a Newcastle player been cheered so loudly.
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Asked whether the photograph had been planned, Roefs admitted it had been mentioned inside the camp before kick-off. “Someone mentioned the picture Newcastle made a few years before in front of our fans,” Roefs said. “It was mentioned before, like in the speech we had. Maybe it was a little bit (planned). I don’t really know much about it, but we were being told the last time they won here, they were making pictures in front of our fans. We used this as extra motivation today.”
The image, captured moments after full-time, underlined the significance of the occasion – not just as another derby win, but as a statement of intent in a rivalry that continues to carry real meaning on Wearside.
Régis Le Bris delivers verdict after Sunderland’s win against Newcastle United
Régis Le Bris believes Sunderland’s Wear-Tyne derby victory over Newcastle United underlined the speed of their development as a Premier League side.
The Black Cats edged a contest short on clear chances after Nick Woltemade turned the ball into his own net early in the second half. Sunderland had enjoyed more control before the break and went closest through a Dan Ballard header, before showing maturity late on to see the game out. Despite Newcastle enjoying spells of possession, Robin Roefs was rarely called into action as Sunderland managed the closing stages effectively.
"Yeah, I'm happy," Le Bris said. "We expected a tough and tight game, and that was the case. I think during the first half, we showed great composure on the ball and without the ball. Tactically, I think it was really well played. The only regret at half-time was the final third.
"How could we create something more? We were a bit too patient sometimes. Finally, we found a solution just at the beginning of the second half. After that, we played a strong team. It was obvious that this was the first goal they were able to push. Our structure, 4-4-2, then 5-4-1, was strong."