Source: SKY_Sports
Sbragia unfazed by rivals
Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia is not focusing on the teams around him despite the close nature of the Premier League.[LNB] The Black Cats moved seven points away from the relegation zone and up to 11th with their 2-0 over Stoke at the weekend.[LNB]But with just eight points between bottom of the table West Brom and Fulham in 10th, two bad results for Sbragia's side could see them back in trouble.[LNB]With trips to Arsenal and Liverpool to come in their next league fixtures that is a very real possibility, but their manager insists he does not worry about the teams around them.[LNB]"The idea is to try and get up that table," he said.[LNB]"I'm not really concerned about who the other teams are playing. I just have to concern myself with us.[LNB]"I couldn't have told you who most of the other teams were playing on Saturday. I don't look at it.[LNB]"It doesn't concern me, I can't have any affect on that. But I know what we can do against teams we have to play.[LNB]"We knew on Saturday, and we told the players before the game, of the importance of the game. It was important to get the three points." [LNB]UnimpressiveDespite going unbeaten in the league for three games Sunderland have not really impressed during that time but Sbragia admits results matter much more than performances.[LNB]"Whether we played well or badly, I was not that concerned as long as we got the three points," he added.[LNB]"I have said many a time at home, we have go to start picking up points and getting wins especially and try to pick something up away from home.[LNB]"In general, we are getting a little bit more difficult to beat. It's important to beat the teams around us.[LNB]"I know we have got two really difficult games now, but in general, if we had six points, I would have been happy, but seven points, and we have got an unbeaten record as well."[LNB]CarefulMore good news for Sunderland is the fact that defender Nyron Nosworthy returned to training after tearing his hamstring, causing him to miss the last five games.[LNB]Also back in training is midfielder Teemu Tainio after recovering from a knee injury. The former Spurs man withdrew from the Finland squad this week as a precaution.[LNB]"He's (Nosworthy) doing some light work and he could be rejoining us next week, so we're pleased with that one," Sbragia explained.[LNB]"We have to be careful with Teemu, he did not want to risk it."[LNB]
