Following just seven games in charge, Sunderland head coach Michael Beale is already under serious pressure. Two wins have come his way since being appointed as the successor to the well-liked Tony Mowbray, and with performances also suffering, the former Rangers manager and the club are already needing a positive result to relieve the pressure.
Sunderland and Their Head Coach Michael Beale Under Serious Pressure
Fans Were Shocked at Tony Mowbray’s Departure
Tony Mowbray’s departure came as a shock to the majority of fans and media alike. His team were three points off the playoff places and for the most part, were playing attacking football which at times had been a joy to watch. The results were not perfect but the fans were right behind their team. A difference in opinion between himself and the Sporting Director on transfer and team selection are believed to be the reason he was relieved of his duties.
Mood Around The Club is Not Good
The departure of Mowbray, the appointment of Beale and the FA Cup debacle where the club seemingly rolled out the red carpet for their fierce rivals, even allowing one of their hospitality suits to be rebranded with Newcastle signs (these were replaced after fan backlash) have relations between the club and their loyal fans at a low point when it could have been avoidable.
On the 18th January, representatives from the Red and White Army, Branch Liaison Council, and Senior Supporters’ Association met with Chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and members of the Club’s leadership team. The minutes from this meeting can be viewed here: safc.com.
Poor Results is One Thing, Poor Performances is Another
It can be difficult for a new head coach/manager to come into a club halfway through a season; however, in the tough world of football, they have little time to settle. Fans will forgive poor results but won’t forgive poor performances so easily. Performances since Beale has been in the job have not been to the standard expected with many complaining about the lacklustre performances.
Players are trying to implement new ideas from their new head coach and a new way of playing. This can bring mixed results in the short term; however, if fans can see the effort, most will be patient.
A Significant Drop in XG
A statistic that could be cause for concern is the drop in XG (expected goals) per game. Under Tony Mowbray, Sunderland’s XG was more often than not at least double of what it currently is under Michael Beale. Against Hull City where the Black Cats were defeated 1-0, their XG was just 0.77. Against Rotherham United, it was 0.35. In Mowbray’s final home game against Huddersfield Town, despite defeat, their XG was 2.73.
Statistics are courtesy of Fotmob.com.
Tactically Poor in Recent Games
Against Newcastle, Beale and his team persisted with playing out from the back and playing the ball across their own six and 18-yard box putting them under constant pressure. United’s second goal came from a mistake during this type of play.
Only one substitute was used when getting beat in a home derby in front of a sell-out crowd in the latter stages giving the player little time to make an impact.
Against Hull City, the team had no natural right-sided player leaving a central defender playing at right back under pressure both defensively and offensively. The Black Cats went a goal down in the second half and took off a striker. They later brought on a defender.
Sacked in the morning Chants, #BealeOut Trending and Poll Results
Following Hull City’s solitary goal in the Black Cats’ 1-0 defeat and with the team looking unlikely to trouble the opposition goal, a section of fans began singing “You’re getting sacked in the morning” at Michael Beale. Two days later on Sunday evening #BealeOut was trending near the top of X (formally Twitter) in the United Kingdom.
The results of a poll on X saw that 91% of fans wanted Beale sacked.
Michael Beale Under Pressure: Comments of a Man Feeling the Pressure Following Hull Defeat
Following the Hull City defeat, Michael Beale had his say. He said: “I’m only a month into the job. It shows the expectation on managers now. I think the fans have to get behind the players on the park because they’re a young group, and I don’t think they realise the strength of their support to that young group in there. I’ll take what comes my way, I’ll take the responsibility of managing this club. It is what it is, if you win games people are happy and if you don’t, they’re not. For me, the result tonight was harsh on us.”
Against Hull City, Sunderland lost by just one goal; however, it took 60 minutes for them to have a meaningful shot on goal. When they went behind, Beale decided to take a striker off. Later he brought on a defender.
“I’m doing my best with the staff that we’ve got and this young group to fulfil our ambition.”
Michael Beale Under Pressure: “I Deserve a Little Bit More Respect”
During his pre-match press conference ahead of the home game against Stoke City on Saturday, Michael Beale took aim at the recent criticism. He said: “I feel I deserve a little bit more respect because my journey deserves that. But people if don’t want to give it, fine, I have to get on with the job.
“If you spend 16 years at Chelsea and Liverpool then you know what expectation is and what it’s like, I’m a young coach who went across to Brazil so I’m not worried about taking on pressure and expectation. I’ve just been at a massive football club before I came to this massive football club.”
Would Sunderland Admit to Making a Mistake?
The short answer is no. It is rare for a club to admit to a mistake so early. However, should performances and results not improve, plus growing discontent amongst fans against a head coach and club who have not covered themselves in glory of late grow louder, those in charge may have little option.
Two wins, or at least much improved performances in their next two games against Stoke City and Middlesbrough could ease the pressure on the club and give them a chance to heal some of the rifts that currently exist with their loyal fanbase.
