---
title: "Kone motivated for survival battle"
canonical: "https://readsunderland.com/2016/02/11/kone-motivated-survival-battle/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Chris Sparks"
section: "Articles"
published: "2016-02-11T20:11:36Z"
modified: "2016-02-11T20:11:36Z"
---

# Kone motivated for survival battle

Sunderland defender Lamine Kone has revealed to the [Chronicle](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sunderlands-vital-survival-bid-convinced-10869691) that he is ready for the relegation battle ahead of this weekend’s match against Manchester United.

The African signed for the Black Cats for £5-million in January, penning a four and half year deal on Wearside. The former Lorient man is ready for the challenge and is delighted that his move to England went through.

> “I’ve already got the sense that this is a big club, because the facilities here are very impressive,

> “Everything is sort of geared to be a Premier League club. It’s bigger than I thought it was, and bigger than Lorient, although the situation was a bit better at Lorient, more mid-table.

> “It’s vital to stay in the Premier League. My goal since I’ve come here is to win as many games as possible and keep the club in the league.

> “I don’t think the Premier League is a particularly easy league but I think the football here suits me, you get a lot of high balls and it’s physical, which plays to my strengths.”

The defender has already become a fan favourite on Wearside with two impressive performances in red and white against Manchester City and Liverpool last week. Hopefully, Kone can play a huge part as Sunderland look to escape the drop zone and secure premier league football for another season.