Sunderland forward Aiden McGeady’s comments don’t reflect well on Chris Coleman

Follow us on Google Discover

The Black Cats ace spoke of the differences between Coleman’s coaching and Jack Ross’s approach.

Sunderland forward Aiden McGeady has spoken out about the key changes between this season and the last in terms of how the respective managers coached the team.

Last term, Chris Coleman was in the Black Cats dugout for much of the season, taking charge in November after leaving the Wales post but departing the following April after the club was relegated to League One

Jack Ross took charge in May and the combination of his management and new ownership at the Stadium of Light has resulted in the team flying high in League One, still with a good chance of promotion, and in the Checkatrade Trophy final.

McGeady’s contributions this term – 10 league goals and five assists, according to Transfermarkt – have resulted in a place in the League One Team of the Season and the three-man shortlist for Player of the Season.

In conversation with Sky Sports News, the 32-year-old – who netted seven in 35 Championship games last season – explained how he and the team have benefited from Ross’s approach in comments which do not appear to reflect well on Coleman.

“It has been different for me from last season when we had a different manager who approached the game differently and managed his players differently,” McGeady told the media outlet.

“This season things are very open and we have lots of discussions. There are a lot of tactical meetings about who we are playing against. There is a big emphasis on that from the manager and that’s the biggest difference that I have found.

“We look at who we are playing against and how we can beat them, basically. It’s about working out how to win a game of football rather than just picking a team and going out to play. It’s been a good change from last season. It’s been quite refreshing.”

Sunderland’s Checkatrade Trophy final meeting with Portsmouth at Wembley Stadium takes place this Sunday, before they return to league action with Wednesday’s trip to Accrington Stanley.