Despite the understandable disappointment among his players due to a series of poor results leading to their exit from Championship play-off contention, interim manager Dodds believes there are positives to draw from recent performances. He insists that, despite the outcomes, the team has shown glimpses of quality in their play, and he maintains that Sunderland deserves better results.
Dodds previously had a successful spell as caretaker boss following the dismissal of Tony Mowbray in December. During that time, he guided Sunderland to notable victories against Leeds United and West Brom, with a narrow defeat to Bristol City being the only setback.
However, this current tenure in charge has unfolded differently. Following defeats to Huddersfield and Birmingham that led to Beale’s departure, Dodds has managed the team through four additional losses against Swansea, Norwich, Leicester, and Southampton.
Despite the challenging run of defeats, Dodds maintains that he hasn’t lost belief in himself or the group of players.
“My confidence hasn’t wavered; I’m really enjoying the role,” he expressed when asked about the impact of the losing streak. “If anything, it has reinforced my belief that even in tough times, I can see the path we’re trying to follow, and I can still sense the belief in the players.”
Dodds acknowledged the players’ mood, recognizing that six consecutive losses take a toll. However, he emphasized that the players understand the team’s objectives and direction. Reflecting on the recent results, Dodds considered both the outcomes and the performance perspective.
He analyzed each match, pointing out areas of improvement and moments of strength. Despite poor results, he highlighted positive aspects in certain performances and identified instances where the team deserved better outcomes.
Looking ahead, Sunderland faces QPR this Saturday, hoping to secure a much-needed boost before the international break. While QPR has shown improvement recently, Dodds remains optimistic about Sunderland’s potential turnaround, emphasizing the challenges but expressing confidence in the team’s capabilities.
QPR boss Marti Cifuentes acknowledged the difficulty of their situation but remains determined to reach their target, emphasizing the tough nature of the competition and the need for realistic expectations.