Robin Roefs
Sunderland’s recent victory over Newcastle United in the Wear-Tyne derby has sparked discussions about potential European qualification. However, goalkeeper Robin Roefs has been quick to dismiss such talk, emphasizing the team’s focus on short-term goals despite their impressive form and growing momentum.
Robin Roefs said: “The first half was like creating a little bit more danger with all the possession you have, but we dominated them and weren’t in real trouble. The staff mentioned it a lot, but also, everywhere you go the last few weeks, the fans and people have told you how important this game is, and it didn’t disappoint at all. The atmosphere was something just really out there.”
Roefs continued: “No. I was maybe more surprised with… we analysed them, and they are really a pressing team. They press a lot with really high intensity, and, especially the first half, we were able to keep the ball up, and this maybe was more my surprise. We know what we are capable of and did a really good job.”
Roefs added: “We’re not thinking anything about the end of the season. We just go into every game and want to win it. We don’t look at the rankings or how many points, so that’s not something we are busy with. We don’t really look to the rankings and the points we have, but we are amazingly proud of the way we’re playing at the moment, the results we have, and it’s up to us to continue.”
He further stated: “They can dream but we leave it up to them to dream. We just look at it game by game. It doesn’t matter where we play, we go in to win it. The fans can dream about anything they want. Of course, I was going to say this was just another win, but it’s not that of course. It means something more but it’s up to us to go again next week and make sure this is not just some incident and we keep going.”
Roefs concluded: “I knew playing at home that it’s going to be really difficult for them to keep the ball up, create a lot of chances. And maybe I was surprised because I didn’t really have anything to do, just some crosses, some easy shots. But I know what my defenders are capable of, and they did such a good job again. This is for sure the most crazy atmosphere I’ve ever played in.”
The Wear-Tyne derby victory was a significant occasion for Sunderland, with the importance of the match emphasized by both the club and its supporters. Roefs acknowledged the electric atmosphere and credited the team’s defensive unit for their solid performance, which made his afternoon relatively straightforward. Despite the win, Roefs stressed the importance of maintaining focus and not getting carried away by the result.
The goalkeeper also reflected on the guidance provided by manager Régis Le Bris, who kept the team grounded and focused on their tactical approach. Roefs highlighted the calm messaging from Le Bris, which helped the players manage the intense atmosphere and avoid making rash decisions on the pitch.
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