Captain Xhaka reveals secrets of the motivational speech that turned the game in Newcastle.

The victory of Sunderland in the derby against Newcastle, held last Sunday, was not just a win; it was a true demonstration of courage and resilience from the players, led by captain Granit Xhaka. The match, which ended with an exciting 2-1 in favor of the visitors, had a dramatic conclusion with a goal from Brian Brobbey in the 90th minute, sealing a comeback that left the fans ecstatic.

Xhaka, in statements after the game, highlighted the importance of the personality shown by his team at St James’ Park, one of the most intimidating venues in English football. “If you want to play these kinds of games, you need personality. It’s not easy to play here. We knew before the game what it meant to come here to take something or to win. If we look at the whole game, the three points are more than deserved,” said the captain, emphasizing the determination his team displayed on the pitch.

The start of the match was not easy for Sunderland, who struggled to find solutions in the game. “We didn’t find solutions at the beginning. It’s part of the game, part of our journey. We talked at halftime about some things, we changed, and the second half was almost perfect,” Xhaka explained, revealing the importance of the discussions in the locker room for the recovery in the second half.

When assessing the impact of the victory on the team’s morale, Xhaka was clear: “We need to take a step forward. Some players haven’t had many minutes.” The message is clear: Sunderland’s strength lies not only in the starting lineup but in the depth of the squad. “Today was a great victory for the whole team. After three consecutive defeats, today was three very important points. Now we go to the national team and come back for the final phase,” he concluded.

This triumph not only relieves the pressure on Sunderland but also reiterates the team’s ability to unite and fight in difficult moments. With the international break approaching, players will have time to reflect on this crucial victory and prepare for the challenges ahead. Xhaka’s message resonates in the minds of the fans: determination and unity are key to success, and Sunderland is ready to face whatever comes next.