Poyet criticism of Sunderland recruitment puts him under pressure

Gus Poyet’s Sunderland are the Premier League draw specialists, but sharing the spoils all the time puts them in a perilous position.

Ahead of their Tyne-Wear derby away a bitter rivals Newcastle United, the Black Cats are two points and three place above the relegation zone, so Coral make them 7/2 chances to go down.

Fiery Uruguayan boss Poyet unleashed a broadside on the club’s recruitment policy, bemoaning a lack of quality and reminding reporters his official title is not manager.

“I am a head coach,” Poyet said. “I am not going to be a head coach when it suits and a manager when it doesn’t. That side is down to recruitment.

“I want more quality. Do I think I’ll get it? I don’t know,” he added. “You know what is missing. It is clear what we need to do. That is down to recruitment. So, if you ever get the chance to speak to anyone on the recruitment side and ask them about it, you are lucky. If you don’t, don’t ask me.”

Exasperation at Sunderland’s plight is understandable, but Poyet’s words suggest limited influence over transfer dealings and a lack of communication between himself and the powers that be.

While you can question the quality and lack of strength in depth in the Stadium of Light squad, Poyet is overlooking a major battle the board have won by getting previous contract rebel Connor Wickham to commit his future to the club.

If that Latin temper cannot be reined in, then overt criticism of the Black Cats could cost Poyet his job. Currently, he is a tasty 14/1 shot to be the next Premier League manager to leave market. That price will shorten significantly if there is a derby defeat on Super Sunday and, considering Sunderland’s shoddy form, the Magpies look like getting a home win.