5 Things We've Learnt From Sunderland's Friendlies So Far
3. Poyet Is Growing Increasingly Frustrated
Up until the Hartlepool game on Wednesday, Gus Poyet had remained pretty much upbeat and tight lipped when it came to discussing signings, but the cracks began to show during his after match comments, as he started to realise his plan of having the majority of squad in place for the Portugal trip was in tatters. When questioned on transfer news, Poyet responded with:
"I'm waiting and waiting, which is not nice. Youre expecting to do a couple of deals, but theyre not happening. People say dont be anxious or nervous. I think there will be at least one in by tomorrow and I hope at the weekend we can have three in. But the word Im saying is hope.
Hardly inspiring stuff, and signs that the relationship with Lee Congerton could be unravelling. Certainly it has been a frustrating summer so far for Poyet. The Borini situation is turning into a fiasco. Surely we should have sounded him out before showing our £14mn hand in the transfer market, and ultimately being turned down by a Liverpool reserve. How does that look to prospective signings? The lack of movement in defence is also worrying. The Marcos Alonso and Santiago Vergini deals are dragging on, whilst Poyet has had to make do with strikers in the full back positions as he waits for reinforcements. Hardly ideal. Hopefully the signing of Patrick Van Aanholt can open the floodgates, but until a few other players are ushered through the Stadium of Light door, the frustration will continue to grow for our Uruguayan manager.
