Critical Sunderland fans 'asking the right questions,' says Michael Beale

Michael Beale says he understands fan anger over his appointment as Sunderland head coach, but he is determined to win them over with results.

Michael Graham | Dec 20, 2023

Critical Sunderland fans 'asking the right questions,' says Michael Beale /

Michael Beale says the Sunderland fans critical of his appointment are ‘asking the right questions,’ but he has vowed to win them over with results.

Beale was appointed Sunderland’s new head coach on Monday, replacing Tony Mowbray on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

That appointment was met with anger among many Sunderland supporters on social media, and he admits he has seen many of those comments.

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However, he is determined to back himself in changing the narrative surrounding his appointment and convincing fans to accept him and embrace his leadership of the club.

“They love their club, they are protecting it, and they are asking the right question of a man who is not from their area and has just left a club,” Beale admitted.

“I think I am the right person to be part of the Sunderland family and I will have to earn it for the fans. With results and taking the club forward.

Asked about the criticisms from Sunderland fans online, Beale said: “I would have to be living on the moon not to have seen [them], and some of the staff who have pushed me in the ribs with it!

“I will have to win them over. If I was worried about it I wouldn’t be here. I could accept an easier job.”

One of the biggest criticisms of Beale from supporters is that he doesn’t have the kind of track record they deem worthy of a head coach of their team.

Michael Beale says he’s aiming to land Sunderland a play-off spot this season, as he’s unveiled as #SAFC Head Coach.

Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman asked if Sunderland are in a stronger position for promotion than they were two weeks ago…?

“We believe so.” #SAFC 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/At3jXrYaUi
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) December 20, 2023

While Beale accepts that fans have the right to ask those kinds of questions, he also offered an impassioned defence of the path he has taken to Sunderland and the credentials he has earned along the way.

"If you are going to work in football, work where it matters, where there is potential and expectation,” Beale said “I have arrived at a gigantic club.

"It took 20-plus years to get here. I did the hard yards at Chelsea and Liverpool and going to Brazil. I have worked with young players who have gone on to be the finest in this country. I have seen what elite looks like.

"I have had 300 games as an assistant manager in South America and the Premier League. I have played in European games. I have seen what there is to see. I stepped out on my own at QPR and everyone was in a positive way. I have come from a big club with lots of noise.

“Each job is different and you learn and grow. The players are the most important. I have to earn any credit.”

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