Borini: Sunderland players still adapting to Big Sam

Ian Watson
Fabio Borini: Happy at Sunderland

Fabio Borini: Happy at Sunderland

Fabio Borini admits Sunderland are still getting used to Sam Allardyce’s methods, but accepts the players must take more responsibility on the pitch.

Allardyce replaced Dick Advocaat last month after the Dutchman failed to lead the Black Cats to a single win in their opening eight matches.

The new manager inspired a victory over Newcastle in the Wear-Tyne derby but Sunderland have been beaten in the other three matches under Allardyce’s leadership.

Striker Borini says the squad are still getting used to “a different idea of football” but the Italian wants his team-mates to take the initiative themselves on the pitch.

He told the Sunderland Echo: “The manager is very clear and straight up. He says clearly what he wants the players to do on the pitch.

 

“If we are out there and see something different than what the manager said, then we need to adapt.

“We can’t always wait for the manager to say. We are the players that go on the pitch.

“It takes a little bit [of time] for a few players to get used to a different idea of football because they are used to something else.”