Fulop: Black Cats mentally strong enough!

Dec 21 2008 by James Hunter, Sunday Sun

MARTON FULOP says Sunderland have proved they have the mental strength to climb out of danger over the Christmas holidays.

The Black Cats recovered from the shock resignation of Roy Keane by putting in battling performances at Manchester United, where they lost to an injury-time goal, and then by trouncing West Brom 4-0 at the Stadium of Light last weekend.

Nevertheless, before yesterday’s victory at Hull — the first of three matches over the traditionally crucial Christmas holiday period — the Wearsiders were in the relegation zone, albeit on goal difference.

Fulop believes Sunderland’s mental strength was the difference against the Baggies and they will need more of the same this week as they look to climb the table further, with a home game against a resurgent Blackburn on Boxing Day and then a trip to Everton two days later still to come.

“The win against West Brom wasn’t just a good win, it was a great win,” said the Hungary international goalkeeper, left.

“Our performance at Manchester United the week before gave everyone a lift and then to beat West Brom the way we did gave us another huge boost.

“Apart from the teams at the top, there is not a lot of difference in terms of quality between most of the teams in the Premiership and that means you have to get the edge over your opponents mentally.

“We had that edge over West Brom and we wanted the win more than them. We need to keep that up, because we are into the Christmas holidays now and this is always an important stage of the season.

“There are a lot of games in a short space of time and the teams that are better prepared mentally will make the most of the situation. We have to make sure that’s us.”

While Sunderland’s caretaker-boss Ricky Sbragia has stabilised the situation after Roy Keane’s departure, the big question is who will be the new permanent boss.

One of the leading contenders, ex-Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce, has now taken the reins at Blackburn while Sbragia and his opposite number at the KC Stadium yesterday Phil Brown are also candidates.

Fulop said: “Roy Keane leaving was a shock but the players have had to get on with things.

“Ricky Sbragia has stepped in and he is very popular in the dressing room, although we have had to change the way we view him because now he is the manager and not the coach. It is a different relationship.

“As far as who takes over full-time is concerned, I know everybody is talking about it and a lot has been written about it, but the players have to put that out of their minds.

“All we can do is concentrate on the games because the club is the most important thing, not who will be the next manager.”