Michael Beale cannot wait for his first taste of the Wear-Tyne derby on Saturday – and has urged his Sunderland players to “do the fans proud” when they take on Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light.
Saturday lunchtime’s FA Cup third-round tie will be the first meeting between Sunderland and Newcastle for almost eight years, and pits a Black Cats team pushing for promotion in the Championship against a Magpies line-up that was competing in the Champions League last month.
The derby has traditionally been a great leveller though, and Beale is confident his young side will rise to the challenge when they run out in front of a sold-out stadium at the weekend.
“The dressing room is filled with ambition, with players aspiring to compete in the Premier League and the Champions League,” remarked the Sunderland manager, who has overseen two victories, a draw, and a defeat in his first four matches with the team.
Facing a heavily invested Newcastle side, who recently participated in the Champions League, presents a valuable opportunity for the young players in Sunderland to gain feedback and showcase their abilities. The manager is eagerly anticipating the game, emphasizing the significance of the first derby in over seven years and the excitement building up around this FA Cup tie.
Acknowledging Sunderland’s underdog status due to their league position, the manager emphasizes the boost from the enthusiastic home support. Despite Newcastle’s recent challenges, including exits from the Champions League and Carabao Cup, Sunderland is geared up for a tough but crucial match. The team takes pride in an unbeaten record of nine derby matches against Newcastle, with their last defeat to their rivals dating back to August 2011.
While the derby record is not a major focus, the manager emphasizes the club’s ambition and the importance of playing for the fans and the city. With the game taking place at their stadium and the support of their fans, Sunderland is determined to deliver a focused, concentrated, and quality performance against a formidable opponent.
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