The Black Cats know they must get the better of Stoke City this weekend

The match against Stoke City at home on Saturday feels significant for both

Sunderland and manager Michael Beale. Additionally, there are certain

similarities between the two clubs’ management.

 

On December 18, 2023, Beale was appointed. A day later, his counterpart

Steven Schumacher was appointed manager of Stoke. After seven games in

charge, both men have two victories. Schumacher has drew three and lost just

two, while Beale has lost four and drawn one.

 

The records are quite similar to one another. The amount of expectation at each manager’s new club is a crucial

distinction between the two as they attempt to make their mark. Sunderland

attracts crowds of over 41,000 people on average. Stoke has calculated 22,500.

The Black Cats’ supporters anticipate that in their first season back in the second

division, they will at least equal the play-off spot they earned the previous year.

Despite having a cushion between them and the bottom three and some

improving results, Stoke are mired in 19th place.

Undoubtedly, Beale must rally the supporters this coming weekend to prevent losing the Championship three

times in a row. The club is rumored to be in advanced talks with Barnsley

midfielder Callum Styles, who could potentially provide him a boost.

The Hungary international, who was born in Bury, would offer Beale more midfield options to go along with his

current arsenal. The agreement is believed to be a loan arrangement at

first, with a permanent change anticipated in the summer. The 23-year-

old would also bring experience, as eight of the eleven summer acquisitions from

the previous year were under the age of 21.

 

While it’s commendable that Sunderland is considering the long term, Beale needs

quality right now. You are only as good as your players, manager. Beale would

start to win games if he was given access to Manchester City’s starting lineup. In

contrast, Manchester City is unlikely to contend for

the Premier League title if

Pep Guardiola starts Sunderland’s starting in Sky Blue jerseys.

That is undoubtedly wishful thinking and a very narrow perspective, and coaches do matter, of course. With what

he has, Beale must demonstrate his coaching prowess, and any new players

should be added to the team rather than the squad.

He thinks he can make sure the Championship’s youngest team can

realize its full potential and “achieve something special.”

Whether he will have the time to do it is the question. Gaining the match against Stoke would be a major positive step.