Sunderland goalkeeper reflects on injury frustration and praises Melker Ellborg after returning to the starting XI
Robin Roefs has opened up on the frustration of his recent injury setback while also delivering a classy message to teammate Melker Ellborg after his return to the Sunderland side.
The goalkeeper missed several weeks after picking up a problem in the first half of the clash against Bournemouth earlier this year, halting his momentum during what has been an impressive debut Premier League campaign. Reflecting on that spell on the sidelines, Roefs admitted it was a difficult experience.
“Yes, it was not nice,” he said. “It happened, of course, against Bournemouth already in the first half, and I felt that something was maybe off. Then I was out for a few weeks. I did have one operation a few years ago, so I kind of experienced it before, but not while I was playing games.
“It was a new experience for me, and it's not nice staying inside, seeing guys go outside and train every day, preparing for the next match. But yes, this makes me appreciate it as well to be out there again, to play in front of the fans and just remind you as well how good a life we have.”
Roefs arrived in the summer from NEC Nijmegen and quickly established himself as Sunderland’s first-choice goalkeeper, justifying the club’s significant outlay. However, during his recent injury spell, January signing Ellborg stepped in and took the shirt, delivering a series of assured performances.
Despite that competition, Roefs was restored straight back into the starting XI against Tottenham Hotspur upon his return to fitness, underlining both his importance to Régis Le Bris and his status as the club’s undisputed No 1. And Roefs was quick to highlight the strength of the goalkeeping group at the club. “No, I think we have a really good union with each other,” he said after the game against Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium of Light.
“We push each other, and at the same time, it's just a really healthy relationship with me and Melker. (Simon) Moore is just such a great guy. He supports us every way possible, not just now, but from the first minute I stepped into this training ground, he was there for me. Also, the goalkeeper coach has been amazing for me. He gives me a lot of confidence, a lot of belief, and this is, for me, really important.”
Roefs also praised Ellborg directly for the way he stepped up during his absence, highlighting the level of competition within the squad. “It's amazing how many games he's played,” he added. “He won at Newcastle away, Leeds away, which are arguably two of the toughest grounds in the Premier League in terms of support and how mad the people are there. He's done tremendously. I'm really happy for him that it's not easy to come into this team, which is performing really well, and go in and do so good.”
Sunderland are next in action away at Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, April 19, with a 2pm kick-off at Villa Park.
Continue Reading