Gus Poyet has taken the extraordinary step of writing an open letter to Sunderland fans, pleading for their backing at Saturday’s game at home to West Bromwich Albion.
In a rambling and sometimes bizarre address published on the club’s website, Poyet appealed to the supporters he has recently accused of “living in the past” and craving “kick and rush” football.
“Let’s make sure that we don’t let anyone to break our relationship,” said Sunderland’s head coach. “I promise you that I care and I want to win as much as you do and no one thinks more time every day about the team than I do. So I invite you all to be stay positive, to be strong, closer to each other and keep believing in what we started together last year.”
Poyet’s earlier comments about the club’s supporters – reported accurately by assorted newspapers – were not well received by Stadium of Light regulars, some of whom have begun calling for his replacement. With Sunderland only two points above the relegation zone and having won just twice at home in the Premier League all season, West Brom’s visit has assumed a watershed feel and the head coach is clearly desperate to keep the crowd onside.
It became apparent that a rapprochement needed to be reached when Sunderland fans occupying the away end at Bradford last Sunday chanted “Gus Poyet, it’s always our fault” as their team were beaten 2-0 by the League One side in the FA Cup.
That reverse came five days after a damaging home defeat against QPR and Poyet’s initial response was to accuse reporters of misrepresenting him before leaving the post-match press conference in a huff.
It seemed suspiciously like the behaviour of a man seeking an exit strategy, almost inviting the sack, but – in his letter, at least – the former Brighton manager conveys the impression of a coach determined to stay put and create a siege mentality.
“For the first time in my life I think is time for me to write this letter to you, the fans,” he said. “I was brought into the club to stay in the Premier League first and most, then get stability and then progress with an identity in our game.
“The first goal was the most difficult task of my life but we not only stayed up in a miraculous way, we went to Wembley for the first time in years, plus successful games against our biggest rivals and enjoyed some incredible victories away from home. What we achieved last year was achieved by all of us together: club (chairman, directors, staff and players) and fans, nobody and I mean nobody from outside helped us a bit, it was only us together.”
He concluded by rebutting suggestions that he consistently delegates blame for Sunderland’s failings. “The main responsible of the results of our team is me,” he said. “I always said it and I will always accept my responsibility.”
