Source: Eurosport
Sbragia annoyed by Brown criticism
Ricky Sbragia launched a stinging attack on Phil Brown after Sunderland boosted their survival bid with a 1-0 win over Hull on Saturday.
Sbragia was incensed by comments Brown was alleged to have made in the build-up to the game in which he expressed his surprise at the Black Cats' struggle after the money they spent on new players in the summer.
Sbragia said: "Motivation-wise it wasn't a problem because we just put the stuff on the walls what Phil Brown said about Sunderland Football Club.
"I think a manager should just talk about his own club rather than criticising other clubs and what they've paid for players.
"I didn't have to chat with them, I just told them there was some good reading for them in the dressing room.
"I think the players have been excellent. I don't think they've under-achieved. It doesn't matter if they cost £10million or £1million - they go out there and give their all."
Brown expressed his surprise at Sbragia's criticism and was unrepentant over his comments, which he believes were exaggerated by headlines.
Brown said: "Is somebody questioning that they haven't spent the money? Is he saying that was an inspired performance? It's Ricky's prerogative, it's nothing to do with me."
After a defeat which leaves the Tigers teetering on the brink of the drop-zone after a run of one win in their last 17, Brown still sought to find positives in his side's plight.
He added: "The goal killed us to a certain extent because the stadium was rocking and the home fans really started to get behind the team.
"But we have two ways of looking at this. We played Middlesbrough last week and fully deserved what we got.
"Today we deserved to get something from the game and if I get that kind of commitment over our last five games, then we'll be okay."
Meanwhile Sbragia expressed his satisfaction with the way his team built on their good performance against Manchester United last week and grabbed the points in a game of which he admitted: "We had to win.
"I didn't care how we played, it was important we didn't lose today and we got the goal at the right time.
"We had a bit of luck and overall we battled extremely well. We played well last week and we had to continue that commitment and desire today. The players gave me their all."
