Source: Team_Talk
Bruce bemoans Black Cats' mentality
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has demanded a change of mentality from his players after they lost 1-0 at West Brom on Saturday.[LNB] The Black Cats suffered another bad result on the road, and after seeing the Wearsiders collect only 10 points on their travels last season, Bruce believes his players need to change their mentality for away fixtures.[LNB]"In the first half we simply weren't good enough," said Bruce.[LNB]"We were 10 yards off it and unfortunately it has happened too many times away from home.[LNB]"We were a different team from the one that took Birmingham on last week (at the Stadium of Light) and unless that changes, and we take part in the game better than we did, then our dismal away record is going to keep like that.[LNB]"We have to improve, and we did in the second half. But it shouldn't take me ranting and raving at half-time.[LNB]"Mentality is what it is, and we have to try to change that if we are going to improve and take the club forward."[LNB]West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo was delighted to see his gamble pay off after debutant Peter Odemwingie grabbed the winner.[LNB]Odemwingie's transfer to Albion from Lokomotiv Moscow was only confirmed on Friday, with international clearance coming late in the evening to allow him to be included in the squad for this afternoon's match.[LNB]Di Matteo decided to put the Nigeria forward straight into his starting XI, and Odemwingie responded in fine style, notching the winner nine minutes from time.[LNB]"He only trained once with us, on Friday, so it was a bit of a gamble," Di Matteo said.[LNB]"But we thought we would throw him in at the deep end and see how long he would last, and he certainly gave us a threat up front.[LNB]"He is not only an individual, but also a team player. We can see that he is a quality player.[LNB]"He has some ability and can give us something different, and I think he showed that a little bit today.[LNB]"He scored the goal too, which was great for him.[LNB]"It wasn't easy to get him and we only got the international clearance late last night."
