Sunderland fell to their first loss of the League One season against Burton Albion last weekend.
Sunderland were on the end of their first loss of the season last weekend when they were beaten 2-1 at the Pirelli Stadium by Nigel Clough’s Burton Albion.
Jack Ross saw his Black Cats side put in one of their poorer displays from the opening eight games and as a result Sunderland found themselves behind by two goals early on.
And in an interview with the Sunderland Echo, Ross admitted his side need to get better at understanding the aggression of their League One opposition this season.
When speaking about what his side have to improve on, Ross said: “The thing we’ve had to get better at understanding is how aggressive they are in their approach in the game, which doesn’t mean committing foul after foul, it means been positive in the game.”
Sunderland’s first eight opponents have all played in a similar fashion, with the intent of bullying the former Premier League regulars off the park.
“Other teams might try and replicate it because teams have had success with it, but equally they might not think that’s the best way for them and their players.” Ross added.
The Wearside team will return to the Stadium of Light next weekend in a big game for not only Sunderland’s league position, but also to recapture their early-season confidence.
And it will be important for Ross’s side to brush up on the defensive mistakes that let them down against the Brewers this week against another physical third tier side.
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