We need to talk about Granit Xhaka and Florent Ghisolfi's influence on the culture at Sunderland
Daniel Sturridge praised Sunderland’s rise under Régis Le Bris but urged caution over talk of a European challenge
Daniel Sturridge believes Sunderland’s strong start to life back in the Premier League has earned them the right to think bigger than simple survival, but the former Liverpool striker insists a European push remains unlikely this season.
Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of Sunderland’s trip to Anfield, Sturridge said the natural progression for a promoted side is to move from consolidation to ambition once performances and confidence begin to build. He said: "Look, I think you have to at some point, if the performances are building and the confidence within the camp is building, because in the end, right, you know, when you're promoted, the first thing is, OK, survival.
“You're in survival mode, you're in secret screen mode, whatever it may be. Once you get past that, you start thinking, OK, could we challenge for Europe, lads? You know what I mean? It's like, can you sustain it? And I think that's the challenge."
Sturridge was clear, however, that a top-four challenge is beyond any newly promoted side, regardless of momentum. "I don't think it is possible. The top four is clearly not possible for me." When asked what represented a realistic target for Régis Le Bris and his squad, Sturridge pointed to the upper mid-table positions rather than a push for continental qualification. "Top seven? Top seven? I mean, I would say a top-half finish, maybe ninth or tenth, I think, is more likely for them. That would be the goal for me if I was in the camp. And as we know in this league, it's difficult to pick up points."
Sturridge went on to highlight Sunderland’s internal cohesion, noting the impact of Granit Xhaka since his summer arrival from Bayer Leverkusen. The midfielder, who turned down interest from Newcastle United, Juventus, Fiorentina and Neom to join Sunderland, has already become a central leadership figure behind the scenes.
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"They've got a rhythm and a chemistry within that camp now. Jamie talked about Xhaka earlier on, who's been somebody who's brought in that winning mentality. And I think having senior players in your camp like that, who's been there and done it, won trophies, worn the t-shirt, he's been pivotal to them in the leadership and the dressing, you can't ask for any more, and he's the type of player that will ensure that there's no drop-off."
Sunderland arrived on Merseyside sitting firmly in the top half after a strong opening to the campaign under Le Bris. While Sturridge suggested European qualification may come too soon, he believes the foundations are being laid for sustained Premier League progress.
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