Jermain Defoe assures Sunderland fans of improvement after dismal start to season

Jermain Defoe has promised an improved performance against Swansea

JERMAIN DEFOE has promised worried Sunderland fans an improved performance against Swansea tomorrow after the players held a team meeting.

 

The club have conceded seven goals in two games so far this season but Defoe believes they have now hit upon a formula which can spark their campaign into life.

“I think the fans will see a difference on Saturday,” said Defoe. “After the Norwich defeat, the mood was low as you can imagine but we sat down and had a little meeting as a team.

 

“We spoke as adults just to help each other, asking what we could do better. All of us agreed we need to work a bit harder like we did those last eight games last season [when they beat relegation] and apply ourselves more.

“We have a good team but confidence is a big thing. It can be difficult and, as players, you get difficult periods. You can’t blame the fans for their frustrations but it is down to us as a group to put it right.”

 

Defoe also revealed that talk of him agitating for a move has upset him – and has already convinced one supporter of his own determination.

“One fan messaged me on Instagram – it was quite a long one about the players not being committed,” said Defoe. “I messaged back and he couldn’t believe it.

“I told him nothing had changed, I want to score 20 goals for Sunderland this season. He replied, ‘Ah, OK, thanks’ – and apologised.”