Sunderland sit bottom of the Premier League with just two points to their name.
Goalkeeper Vito Mannone has said he and the players understand the frustrations of Sunderland fans following their tough start to the season, speaking to safc.com.
The Black Cats are yet to win a game in the Premier League, and sit bottom with just two points. Mannone has been out of action since August, and has instead had to watch the team from the sidelines like a fan.
Sunderland’s Vito Mannone warms up before the game
“We expected something different,” Mannone told safc.com.
“We understand the frustration of the fans sometimes. When I am sitting out it is easier to understand them, sitting next to them makes me one of them.”
The Italian goalkeeper started Sunderland’s opening two games against Manchester City and Middlesbrough, which both ended 2-1 to the opposition, but has since been ruled out with injury, meaning Jordan Pickford has played in goal instead.
Sunderland’s Vito Mannone looks dejected after Middlesbrough’s Christian Stuani (not pictured) scores their second goal
Despite the positive showings from local lad Pickford, there has been little to shout about for Sunderland fans, who are beginning to grow tired of seeing their team fail to pick up a victory.
Performances have slightly improved as the season has gone on, but David Moyes’ side currently do not look like a team capable of getting out of a relegation battle that they have been stuck in for years.
Having watched from the stands and heard the frustrations of the fans, Mannone knows just how they are feeling, and he will be hoping that he and his teammates can start to make amends after the international break.
Sunderland’s Vito Mannone celebrates after Wahbi Khazri scored their first goal
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