This week in a press conference Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson claimed that playing in the Stadium of Light was a daunting task for his players. The implication being that it is a difficult place to play. It is for this reason that he suggests his team has been performing so poorly.
It is unknown whether this was an excuse for Parkinson or his players, but the fans were not happy about the comments regardless. They suggest that they’ve heard it all before and have no interest in hearing the manager’s reasoning behind the poor performances. One fan suggests any football pitch is a difficult place to play for this team.
Don’t even go there
— Jer (@jiander62) November 25, 2019
Always says the right words in presser but no conviction
— kevin defty (@kevindefty1) November 25, 2019
Fans will get behind a winning team not one that doesn’t turn up.
— Sportsman. North East England. (@wilflaz2019) November 25, 2019
Playing at home for any club should be a massive advantage. To even suggest it would be difficult is absolutely absurd……
Having over 30,000 fans cheering you on must be amazing. The problem they have is wrong attitude and no effort. Sort that out, that’s the problem— SAFC (@GaryFTM) November 25, 2019
A football pitch seems all you need for it to be a difficult place to play for this shower!
— Gavin Frater (@njmackem) November 25, 2019
Another is confused, wondering why playing at the Stadium of Light would impact away results. The team has failed to win an away game under Parkinson. Their only two wins were at the Stadium of Light. In fact, at the time of writing, they’ve only been beaten once at home since his arrival (WhoScored.com).
Oh yes, this old chestnut. That’s why our away form is so good eh.
— Dan Harrison (@DJ_Haribo) November 25, 2019
Do you think the atmosphere has anything to do with Sunderland’s poor performances?
Does the Stadium of Light's atmosphere negatively impact Sunderland's home performances?
Yes
No
What do we think?
It is true that the Sunderland players have not been performing up to the standards expected by fans. But to place blame on the home atmosphere seems like a ridiculous claim after looking at the team’s home results. One thing is certain, Parkinson must figure out a way to change the results. They must do their talking on the field.