New Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson has said he wants to see a brave new Sunderland. Following the result and performance against Wigan Athletic, where the Black Cats lost at home, Johnson has much work to do in the coming weeks and months.
A Brave New Sunderland Wanted by Lee Johnson
What Johnson Said
Speaking soon after being appointed as the new head coach of Sunderland, Lee Johnson advised how he wants his team to play and how he wants to see a brave new Sunderland, not just on the pitch but off it too.
“Speaking to Kristjaan, Jim and the owners, I was absolutely blown away by their plans and dreams for the club. I can see so much potential and I see it everywhere.
“I see it in the league and how we can step up, I see it in the facilities, I see it in the community and the passion the people of Sunderland have, and I also see it in the academy. The feeling I got from the ownership group [made this the right club for me].
“There was other interest, but that doesn’t matter now and I want to be successful and to see a brave new Sunderland. I want to be bold in my own decisions, I want to be bold for the team in the way that we play and the philosophy that we play to, but I also want the club to make bold decisions and that is what I’ve truly bought into.
“We have to connect the team and the fan base because that can be really powerful at a club like this.”
Tactics Show Quick Impact
Johnson was only appointed Sunderland’s new head coach in the hours before the Wigan game. However, just days later, his way of wanting his team to play was already on show. Under his predecessor Phil Parkinson, the Black Cats were prone to hitting balls into the box from any angle, mainly from distance. This led to few chances being created, especially when playing with a smaller striker.
Against Oldham Athletic in the EFL Trophy, Johnson’s team got the ball into more dangerous areas in wide positions before crossing the ball. This gave Sunderland time to get more men into the box and, in turn, generated more positive opportunities.
Change in Formation
Throughout Phil Parkinson’s tenure, a 3-5-2 or a 5-3-1-1 was deployed. Parkinson was reluctant to change the shape of his team during a game no matter what was happening. Rarely did he have a plan B and would change like for like even when chasing the game.
Johnson has favoured a 4-3-3 formation during his first two games, playing players in their more natural positions. Despite the defeat against Wigan and also the fact the Lee Johnson had been appointed just hours before kick-off, Sunderland appeared to be more confident in attacking areas. The system worked better in midweek and with time, the new system could produce the desired results.
Players Will be Given a Chance
Under Parkinson, Sunderland were more often than not a solid unit. However, this came at a price. Going forward, the Black Cats lacked flair and creativity. Under the new way of playing, players who fans have been wanting to see will be given a chance.
Johnson’s first-team selection gave everyone a surprise when forgotten man Aiden McGeady was recalled to the starting lineup. McGeady was never in Parkinson’s plans for one reason or another. However, McGeady has the talent to unlock a defence or produce a moment of magic to win a game.
The midweek game at Oldham saw youngster Jack Diamond start. Diamond impressed on loan at Harrogate Town last season and was expected to play a bigger role this season. Sadly for the player, he has not seen the minutes on the pitch that he and fans were expecting. Against Oldham, Diamond took his chance, running at the opposition’s defence when possible and being a threat throughout.
Johnson Needs to Hit the Ground Running With his Brave New Sunderland
Forgetting last weekends defeat against Wigan where Johnson was appointed just before kick-off, the former Bristol City boss needs to hit the ground running in terms of results. His remit, like Parkinson’s and Jack Ross’s before him, is straight forward – gain promotion.
Sunderland are in the middle of change. A new head coach has arrived as has a new Sporting Director. New owners are on the horizon with several more chances off the field also likely in the coming weeks and months. However, all these changes will mean little unless the team on the pitch deliver a strong push for promotion.
Main Photo
