Trai Hume's brilliant response to a 'crazy' few years at Sunderland and message for squad
Trai Hume has been reflecting on a stunning night for Sunderland & the City.
Trai Hume has been reflecting on Sunderland’s ‘crazy’ recent rise and urged his teammates to ‘keep pushing’ for success this season.
Sunderland are competing on four fronts this season; the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Europa League with a 1-0 victory over Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday evening handing Regis Le Bris’ side the best possible start to their European adventure.
In front of a sold out Stadium of Light, Sunderland came through an early scare when AZ Alkmaar spurned a big chance, but the hosts dominated the first half thereafter. The Black Cats took the lead in the second half through an excellent Enzo Le Fée penalty, but the visitors produced a strong second half and missed some good chances of their own.
Reflecting on the historic win, Northern Ireland international Hume told TNT Sports: “It means everything, the journey that we have been on over the last couple of years has led to this moment. These fans deserve this moment."
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“It's a bit crazy to be honest. If you had asked me five years ago would I be here, I would have said no and now that we are here I'm just trying to enjoy every moment. We have a great team, great staff and unbelievable fans. We fully deserve this moment and we are going to keep pushing this season."
Hume also had his own chances to make his mark on the scorers list, he added: “I probably should have scored to be fair. Some of them were a bit difficult. I think the one in the second half I should have definitely put away. Thankfully, Enzo stepped up, spared my blushed and made us get three points.”
Wednesday’s Europa League clash was the Black Cats’ first in Europe in 53 years and following an impressive first half, Le Fee found the opener. The midfielder’s 66th-minute penalty proved to be the difference to kick off Sunderland’s campaign with three points.
Le Bris said: “They are a good team, I think we started well. The first half we imposed ideas. They were mobile, especially in the high press but we imposed this press progressively, created chances as well – crosses, shots, second balls and so on. “Didn’t score in the first half, so in the second half we scored and then the game was totally open after that. They created chances because they are really good on the ball.”
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