Manager Simon Grayson has demanded 100% from the Sunderland players as we head to Bury later this evening.
Travelling to Gigg Lane for the first round EFL Cup tie, Grayson told the Official Site that he expected nothing less than 100% from the players in the game because he wants to progress further in the competition.
With a three two victory over the side in pre season he knows it’ll be a tough game though and with Norwich, Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United quickly following, he knows he has to juggle the group.
‘It`s very difficult to rotate the squad because I treat this competition very seriously and at the start of the season I always like to play my strongest squad to get some sort of unity and confidence. But with us playing Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday, it`s a real juggling act, so although a large part of the team will be the same there will have to be changes because I have to think about our upcoming games.’
Grayson went on to say that with the run of fixtures he simply has to deal with it and players have to rise to the challenge, represent the club and fans appropriately and with the game in front of the television cameras as well, he knows we need to be at it as Bury will be looking for a scalp.
‘We have four in nine days so it`s quite relentless and difficult for a lot of teams, but we`ll deal with it and whoever goes out there is representing the club and they have to try and win to progress. There will definitely be an edge to Bury because they`re playing against a team who have just come down, it`s live on the telly and they had a good victory on Saturday.’
Adding.
‘We watched them and they`re full of enthusiasm, their work-rate is good, the desire and commitment is there. We`re not expecting anything less.’
