By kickspoll Former Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has warned the club that they must keep hold of their best players if they are to remain in the hunt for promotion this season.
The Black Cats are currently top of the Championship table after nine matches, with head coach Regis Le Bris making a notable impact since arriving over the summer. As a result, several Sunderland players are attracting attention from other clubs. Goalkeeper Anthony Patterson is reportedly on Manchester United’s radar, while teenage star Chris Rigg is a target for major clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Poyet believes that if Sunderland are serious about a return to the Premier League, they must fend off interest in their top talents during the January transfer window.
Speaking to *Football League World*, Poyet said:
“You want to keep all the young talent you have as Sunderland have started the season so well. You can see the coach is doing a great job by the freedom in which the players are playing, and the goals and creative football Sunderland are producing. With the current league table, Sunderland need to keep hold of their players to stay in the promotion hunt, as it seems there isn’t a team that will run away with the title this season.”
Poyet also shared his thoughts on Sunderland’s promotion chances under Le Bris, adding:
“It’s such a long, long season, and it’s important to make a good start, which they have. It’s a massive positive that Sunderland are at the top of the table, and now they can look to maintain this and improve as the season goes on. I expect Sunderland to be in and around the play-offs, but anything can happen in this league.”
He emphasized the importance of focusing on their own team and using their strong home support to maintain their current style of football, which should help them as the season progresses.