Sunderland striker claims Newcastle 'copied' them by sacking their manager.
Sunderland striker Fabio Borini is looking forward to the weekend's Tyne-Wear derby, but is wary of Newcastle's 'new manager bounce'.
The Magpies appointed Rafa Benitez last week, and while they lost his first match away to league leaders Leicester on Monday, not much was expected given the positions of the two teams in the table.
This weekend is different, with the teams separated by just one place in the table, and battling relegation.
Sunderland have benefited in recent derbies by changing their own manager beforehand to shake things up, and have won the last six in a row.
Borini told The BBC: "Usually that's our trick. We change the manager two games before, then we lose the first one and then we win the derby. They copied us.
"They have tried to do the same but I don't think it will work."
Sam Allardyce helped Sunderland out by winning his first derby in charge earlier in the season after replacing Dutch boss Dick Advocaat.
The former Italian under-21 international's comments have caused a bit of amusement among Newcastle fans to say the least.
Here is a look at their response via Twitter...
Bizarre for Fabio Borini to trademark sacking a manager two weeks before the derby as if it is some sort of philosophy. #nufc
— Harry De Cosemo (@harrydecosemo) March 16, 2016
I find it hilarious when Fabio Borini uses the term copied when it's a total coincidence Using tha might suggest some worry.....#NUFC #SAFC
— CÉ…LVIN (@CalvinNUFC_1892) March 16, 2016
"Newcastle have copied us" says Fabio Borini. He's not wrong, we have been as shit as Sunderland this year, for a change
— Jordan (@__Stiva) March 16, 2016
Shut up borini you peanut
— luper (@Tait_Ellis) March 16, 2016
I really don't like Fabio Borini.
— Dan Laws (@NaturallyHatem) March 16, 2016
Seeing Fabio Borini get snapped at the weekend would just be wonderful. Make it happen lads... @nufc
— Lewis Turner (@lewy7) March 16, 2016
As if Borini has said that man
— Stephen West (@Westy_480) March 16, 2016
Ugh shut up Borini. Guy's the worst https://t.co/94yCO5VHMi
— Sunday Morning Pint (@SMPint) March 16, 2016
Borini has realised that we've nicked their cheat mode. Mind games! #4daystogo
— Marc Jobling (@MarcJobling) March 16, 2016
COMMENTS