‘If we are being brutally honest…’: Mike Dodds pinpoints major Sunderland issue in Swansea defeat

Following Sunderland’s 2-1 loss to Swansea, interim manager Mike Dodds identifies a significant problem.

The Black Cats’ dismal loss to Swansea prevented them from going back to winning ways. Prior to that loss, which resulted in Michael Beale’s dismissal from Sunderland, the team had dropped their previous two games.

Consequently, Dodds has been placed in command until the end of the campaign with the aim of getting the Black Cats back into the playoffs.

But at the Stadium of Light, a brace from Ronald gave Sunderland a 2-0 halftime lead. Although Luke O’Nien did manage to tie the score in the second half, the Black Cats lost three straight games.

Looking back at the outcome, Dodds thought there might have been a squad problem that led to their demise on Saturday afternoon.

Sunderland has a “mentality issue”

Sunderland’s most recent loss has now seen them drift eight points off the playoffs, despite retaining their 10th-place position.

The Swansea game was a real opportunity for the side to bounce back from their recent defeat in front of the home crowd. However, a poor first-half display put the game out of sight for Sunderland.

After the game, Dodds believed there was a ‘mentality issue’ with his squad on Saturday due to the contrasting displays his side gave in both halves.

He told Sunderland: “It was really disappointing if we are being brutally honest. The ironic thing with it is in the first half we wanted to be really bold and aggressive in terms of our approach. That probably hindered us a little bit in terms of how open we were.

“In the second half, we made one or two changes and went a little bit more reserved in terms of our set-up, but it looked more aggressive. The question I then posed the players was what was the difference.

“Sometimes, we can talk around tactics and technical stuff but there’s a mentality issue. That isn’t something that is levelled at the group very often.

“We have a full week to work with them ahead of next week and we will pick the bones out of that. I know that is nowhere near the level and is nowhere near acceptable. The players know that and as a collective, we have to take that. We will make sure we are better come Saturday.”

Sunderland players need to start looking at themselves

It’s now three defeats in a row for Sunderland against opponents all in a relegation battle. For the club not to come away with any points from those opponents simply isn’t good enough.

While Beale may have gotten the blame for the recent dip in form, the players now must also take responsibility. If there is a mentality issue, that is simply not acceptable.

On their day, fans have seen these players perform extremely well. However, this is becoming far too rare.

If the team are serious about fighting to get into the playoffs, they must bounce back and do it quickly.