Sunderland fans were naturally dejected after suffering defeat to League Two opposition Scunthorpe in the EFL Trophy. While there may have been some fans rooting for a cup exit before the game, nobody would have wanted to see their team go out like that. The 3-0 loss give fans, players, management and club owners a lot to think about.
But an interview with Sunderland’s Grant Leadbitter posted on the club’s Twitter account summed up how everyone was feeling. The 33-year-old midfielder looked on the verge of tears when discussing the result. Fans viewing the video felt for Leadbitter, claiming that he looked broken.
Unusual interview this. I actually feel for him as well.
— Graeme Field (@Fieldo100) November 13, 2019
He’s broken
— Steven Scott (@S_Scotty_78) November 13, 2019
He looks absolutely broke
— David Hindmarsh (@DavidHindmarsh7) November 13, 2019
He looks and sounds heartbroken. Pull through this lad
— ?LI?T (@HunterEliot19) November 13, 2019
Wow this is depressing, body language demeanour the lot. What a mess
— Sandancer KCH (@sandancer18) November 13, 2019
Others we concerned with Leadbitter’s unusual comment that ‘we can’t have groups’ which insinuated that the dressing room was divided.
“We can’t have groups” was even more telling. Grant seems to be alluding to splits or rifts in the playing squad.
— Gez Campbell-Smith (@knowledgeisall) November 13, 2019
‘You can’t have groups’ . What’s he getting at? What’s going on with the players? Who’s in the ‘groups’ ? This was released by the Club so they must have vetted the video. Are they trying to get some sort of message to the fans? PP has to sort this out double quick #SAFC
— stroller (@nigeynugs) November 13, 2019
What do we think?
Sunderland Football Club needs a turnaround. They can’t continue this form going forward into the league if they want any chance at promotion. Should results start to come their way, perhaps the players will regain a bit of confidence. For now, however, Leadbitter’s body language represents that of many fans.