Granit Xhaka and Dan Ballard issued clear messages to Sunderland fans after the Fulham loss on Sunday afternoon
Granit Xhaka delivered a blunt message to Sunderland supporters after the Black Cats were beaten by Fulham at the Stadium of Light.
The midfielder, who recently returned from injury, took to Instagram shortly after full-time to acknowledge the disappointment while making clear there would be no excuses. Xhaka’s return had been seen as a major boost for Régis Le Bris’ side, with the experienced midfielder viewed as a key figure both on and off the pitch.
Fulham ultimately ran out 3-1 winners on Wearside, with Raúl Jiménez scoring twice before Alex Iwobi sealed the result late on. Sunderland briefly threatened a comeback when Enzo Le Fée converted from the penalty spot, but the visitors completed a league double over the Black Cats. Xhaka came on as a second-half substitute but could not turn the game in Sunderland’s favour.
Xhaka’s post quickly attracted significant engagement from supporters, amassing more than 12,000 likes within the first hour, with many fans responding positively to his direct tone. “Not the result we wanted, but I’m happy to be back. No excuses — back to work. #GX34,” Xhaka wrote on Instagram.
The Swiss international’s message underlined the mood inside the camp - frustration at the result, but a determination to respond quickly as Sunderland look to steady their Premier League campaign following three losses on the spin against Arsenal, Liverpool and Fulham.
Xhaka’s Sunderland teammate, Dan Ballard, also spoke after the game. The Northern Ireland international centre-back told reporters after the contest at the Stadium of Light: “Days like this can happen. We always expected these days when the season started and we haven’t had too many!
He continued: “It’s disappointing but we have to put things into perspective. These games will happen and it’s about how we react now. “We needed to give the fans a lot more today. We need to give them performances to get behind. Can only apologise for games like these. Stick with us and we’ll give it 100 per cent.”
Sunderland’s injury list mounts after Fulham clash
Régis Le Bris admitted Sunderland could be facing a mounting injury list after what he described as a damaging afternoon at the Stadium of Light.
Dennis Cirkin had already been ruled out of the clash with Fulham due to a minor problem, while Reinildo remains sidelined for around a month with a knee injury. Matters worsened during the first half as both Nordi Mukiele and Jocelin Ta Bi were forced off, with Mukiele initially attempting to shake off the issue before eventually conceding defeat.
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The full extent of the injuries is not yet clear, but Le Bris revealed he is also monitoring concerns over Brian Brobbey and Romaine Mundle. Brobbey appeared to struggle shortly before being substituted, while Mundle required attention from the physio at full-time.
“It’s a bit early to say, so we had Nordi, Jocelin, Brian, maybe Romaine as well, so it was a tough day,” Le Bris said. “Dennis also missed the game with an injury so at the minute it's a tough period, but it is what it is, we have to accept it and move forward.”
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