Post by Roy Keane on Sept 20, 2008 11:12:03 GMT 1
*Bastian Zurich scores again to give Sunderland a 1-0 win as Jamie Newall looks on in despair.*
Sunderland 1 - 0 Manchester United
The Sunderland faithful turned out in their droves last night as Sunderland hosted their second friendly match of the pre-season, at home to Manchester United.
The match itself was entertaining to say the least - though some grumblings could be heard amongst the home fans after the final whistle. They had clearly been expecting more goals to show for their ticket prices - but nevertheless, the taste of victory is a sweet one indeed.
Bastian Zurich - their two-goal hero against Liverpool - scored the only goal of the game on 34 minutes, when an interchange between United defenders Newall and Steere inexplicably resulted in Newall taking far too long with the ball in front of his own net. Zurich took the ball and duly sent the home crowd wild with his 3rd pre-season goal.
United, in truth, did fight back and could have equalized on several occasions, but were always bested by the Sunderland defence or the dimensions of the goal.
Manager Roy Keane hosted a press-conference after the match, and even invited some of the fans into the conference room to take up the ample spare seats.
Still, some reporters were on hand to grill the manager regarding various things, most importantly his developing friendship with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.
"Mourinho is a nice guy, and is a helluva gaffer" Keane stated in a slightly more Sunderland twang than we are used to. "Obviously it is always nice to open the papers and see that someone has taken the time to sing your praises a bit - and I appreciate the sentiment."
Keane unusually raises a smile, before adding "and I'll be joining him for a drink after our match - without question."
The conference then moved around to Keane's actions in the transfer market, and most notably about Hans Giesen - who seemed destined to finally move to Sunderland before Mourinho stepped in at the 11th hour, snatching him from under the noses of Sunderland.
"I was gutted not to get Hans, make no mistake" Keane commented. "When I saw Chelsea had made an offer too, I knew it would be a struggle to get him - Hans made his choice, and of course I wish him all the best in the future."
Keane added he only found out about Chelsea's offer during the second half of the match. He had delayed submitting his team sheet in order to accomodate Giesen once the transfer was finalized, but realised when he had heard nothing that something was amiss.
"I had been under the impression he would be joining us - but as soon as I submitted the team sheet for the game I knew he wouldn't be joining us, and when I heard of Chelsea's offer I understood why."
The conversation buzzed on the topic of transfers, with many names being thrown into the hat. Keane refused to confirm or deny any - but added he isn't quite finished in the transfer market just yet. When asked if rumours were true that Jamie McClean could be arriving from Chelsea, Keane confirmed the two parties were in talks.
"Jamie McClean has the potential to become the biggest striker in the world. He is a Sunderland lad by birth, and we hope to have that handsome stud-muffin at the club soon."
Moving swiftly on, questions turned to the coming season, which is the topic on most people's minds here in Sunderland. When asked how he sees this season panning out, Keane replied with focus and conviction.
"We are out to win it. Plain and simple - Sunderland want to become the first Ultimate League Champions. We have spent in the transfer market to strengthen the squad, and have definitely improved the depth of it too.
We are out to prove the old myth of Sunderland being football's teaboys a complete phallicy.
We have one of the best set of fans - if not THE best - in the league, and possibly in the world. We also have a strong squad of players, all of whom are hungry for success.
We have a massive set up here in Sunderland, and the people of this town have taken the club to their hearts - and we fully intend to repay them their emotional investment with glory."
Keane went on to add that SAFC will be running plenty of community activities for the local Mackem Kids, and also added he wants to invite "The Sunderland 10" - the band of 10 monkeys who follow Sunderland through thick and thin - to their very own training sessions with the Sunderland players.
"Who knows" - Keane stated with a glint in his eye - "they may even be able to teach our lads a thing or two in the looks department".
Iain Dowie was unavailable for comment.
Article courtesy of the Sunderland Echo.
