Michael Beale has been in charge of Sunderland as the head coach for just over a month. His appointment, however, was accompanied by significant pressure, with the failed attempt to secure Reims boss Will Still creating a sense of disappointment among the fans. The situation surrounding the pursuit of Will Still seems to have left an unfavorable impression on supporters, casting a shadow over Beale’s arrival at Sunderland.
Sunderland supporters initially anticipated the dismissal of Tony Mowbray and the appointment of an exciting, young coach aligned with the club’s vision to elevate them to the next level. The links to Will Still generated significant excitement among fans, but their hopes were dashed when Michael Beale assumed the Sunderland head coach position shortly afterward. Critics argue that Beale managed to talk himself into the role, and the decision-makers, Kristjaan Speakman and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, were perceived as naive for accepting it.
Despite the disappointment, fans continued to show support for Beale, even though there was no evident “new manager bounce” or signs of improvement from Mowbray’s tenure. The early results under Beale’s leadership have not been promising, leading to concerns among supporters that the team is on a downward trajectory. The sentiment is that the board’s pride may be the only factor keeping Beale in his position.
As the team faces a challenging start under Beale, some fans are urging the club to overcome any stubbornness and acknowledge the mistake before it escalates further. There is a collective call for a reassessment of the managerial situation to prevent the current downturn from becoming a more significant issue for Sunderland.
Here are three reasons why Kyril Louis-Dreyfus should sack Michael Beale before its too late…
Michael Beale’s xG
The transformation from being one of the most threatening and creative teams in the Championship to struggling to score goals is indeed remarkable for Sunderland. The statistics from the previous season highlight the stark contrast in their offensive performance. In the preceding campaign, Sunderland demonstrated their attacking prowess by scoring 68 goals, placing them among the top goal-scoring teams in the Championship. Additionally, their efficiency in converting shots on target into goals, as indicated by the ratio of 10.6%, was the third-highest in the league.
The current inability to replicate that offensive success raises questions about the factors contributing to the decline in scoring efficiency. It could be influenced by changes in personnel, alterations in playing style, or other tactical adjustments that have impacted Sunderland’s ability to find the back of the net. Understanding and addressing these issues will be crucial for the team to rediscover its attacking prowess and regain its status as a formidable force in the Championship.
The struggles for Sunderland in front of goal, which were evident at the start of the season under Tony Mowbray, seem to have exacerbated following his departure. The team’s ability to create space, execute plays into the box, and produce impressive goals has notably diminished under Michael Beale.
According to The Mackem Analyst, the expected goals (xG) metric, which measures the quality of scoring chances, indicates a decline in Sunderland’s offensive output. Four out of five of Sunderland’s lowest xG values this season have occurred under Michael Beale’s management, with matches against Rotherham (0.35), Preston (0.5), Hull (0.7), and Ipswich (0.8). The only outlier, the fifth lowest xG value of 0.55, happened under Mowbray when the team played with 10 men for 45 minutes against Middlesbrough.
In the seven games Beale has overseen in all competitions, Sunderland has managed only five goals. This is in stark contrast to the seven goals scored in Mowbray’s final seven games at the helm. The criticism extends beyond the goal tally, with fans expressing dissatisfaction with the style of play under Beale, describing it as some of the most boring football witnessed at the Stadium of Light. The assessment implies that the challenges faced by the team go beyond the need for a new striker and may involve broader issues related to tactical approach and creativity.
Lower PPG than Mowbray
The decision to bring in Michael Beale as a ‘head coach’ with a focus on coaching responsibilities while leaving other matters to the board was made with the expectation that it would enhance Sunderland’s chances of promotion. However, based on the initial six games under Beale’s management, there are concerns that the team’s promotion prospects may have been adversely affected.
Under Beale’s tenure, Sunderland has secured two wins, suffered three defeats, and earned one draw in the Championship, placing them in 10th position. The team is currently three points away from the playoff spots but also just three points above 14th place. This middling position raises questions about the team’s trajectory under Beale.
Journalist Michael Graham has provided statistical context to the comparison between Beale and his predecessor, Tony Mowbray. Mowbray was sacked with 27 points from 19 games and a points-per-game (PPG) ratio of 1.42. In contrast, Beale currently has a PPG of 1.16. If this PPG trend were to continue, Sunderland would find themselves in a lower position, specifically 19th, suggesting a potential decline in overall performance under Beale’s leadership. This statistical analysis contributes to the growing concerns about the impact of the managerial change on the team’s promotion ambitions.
The sentiment expressed reflects a deep sense of disappointment and frustration among fans witnessing what they perceive as a decline in the club’s standards under Michael Beale’s management. The term “humiliating” suggests a strong emotional response to the contrast between the club’s achievements in the previous season and its current state. Fans who invested hope and support during the successful period feel disheartened to see the potential regression.
The concern about Beale bringing down the club if he continues suggests a fear of further deterioration in performance and outcomes. This sentiment likely stems from the desire for sustained success and progress, and the current trajectory under Beale is viewed as counterproductive.
Tony Mowbray was sacked having got 27 points from 19 games (1.42ppg)
Michael Beale has 7 points from 6 games (1.16ppg).
That ppg would have #SAFC sat in 19th place this season.
So much for an obsession with progression.
— Michael Graham (@Capt_Fishpaste) January 20, 2024
The disappointment and frustration voiced by supporters highlight the passionate and emotional connection between fans and their club, emphasizing the high expectations they have for Sunderland’s performance and success.
The fans have already turned
The sentiments expressed by Sunderland fans highlight the growing dissatisfaction and frustration with Michael Beale’s tenure as the head coach. The initial skepticism about Beale’s appointment has escalated, particularly after a 3-0 defeat to Coventry and continued poor performances, leading to boos and calls for Beale’s sacking during the Hull City match. This represents a significant shift from the initial support and willingness to give Beale a chance.
The fans’ call for Beale’s removal is not just a critique of on-field performance but also an appeal to the board to address the growing discontent among supporters. The urgency conveyed in the message emphasizes the belief that the situation may become irreparable if action is not taken promptly.
The plea for the board to “listen” and make a change in leadership is a clear indication of the passionate and invested nature of the fanbase. Fans often play a crucial role in the identity and success of a football club, and addressing their concerns becomes vital for fostering a positive atmosphere and relationship between the club and its supporters.
