Trai Hume has challenged Sunderland to start the season strong when the Premier League season gets underway after admitting they were below their best during the opening half against Rennes.
The Northern Ireland international scored the winning goal as Sunderland came from behind to beat the Ligue 1 side 2-1 at the Stadium of Light. It was Hume’s second goal in as many pre-season matches and gave Regis Le Bris’ side a winning finish to their preparations.
But despite the positive result, Hume knows Sunderland can’t afford another slow start when the competitive action begins at Ipswich Town next weekend.
Trai Hume pleased with Sunderland response
Rennes took the lead during the first half, with Sunderland struggling to reach the level they had shown in recent outings.
The response after the interval was completely different.
Brian Brobbey brought Sunderland level before Hume completed the turnaround with a second-half strike. The defender believes the improvement was exactly what the team needed before the start of the Premier League campaign.
“I am delighted. We came out a little bit slow and a little bit sloppy in the first half, and we knew that coming off at half-time.
“We were a lot better and created a lot of chances.
“We obviously got the two goals and probably could’ve had more, to be honest.”
Sunderland eventually took control of the match and finished strongly. Hume believes that second-half display showed the level his team must produce once the points are at stake.
“We were the dominant team at the end, and we played the way we want to going forward – that’s how we have to start next weekend at Ipswich Town.”
The win also gives Hume plenty of confidence personally. After scoring against Rennes, he has now found the net in consecutive pre-season matches.
European schedule already on Hume’s mind
Sunderland’s preparations have involved plenty of travel, with the squad visiting both America and France during pre-season.
The Black Cats will compete in Europe this season, meaning regular travelling and matches in different countries will become part of their routine.
Hume believes the squad must quickly adapt to that challenge.
“Pre-season has been good.
“There has been a lot of travelling – going over to America and France – but we have to get used to that this season with us being in Europe.
“We will be travelling and playing games straight after, so we have to always be ready.”
The defender isn’t looking too far ahead, though. Despite Sunderland’s European adventure being one of the major talking points around the club, the immediate priority is the Premier League opener.
“We are focused on the next game now, and that’s Ipswich. We will take each game as it comes this season.”
The final two pre-season fixtures have also given Sunderland an idea of the level they could encounter in Europe. After beating Lens before overcoming Rennes, the Black Cats have finished their preparations with two encouraging results against French opposition.
Hume believes those matches have been useful preparation, but the focus has already shifted.
“The last two games have given us a taste of what we could face in Europe this year, but it’s all about preparing for next weekend at Ipswich.” With pre-season now complete, Sunderland have one final week to prepare for their return to Premier League football. They face Ipswich on the opening weekend away from home.
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