Nordi Mukiele gives worrying post-match interview amidst relegation fears
Written by Tom Miller on 21st October 2026
Nordi Mukiele spoke to Sky Sports after Sunderland’s lacklustre 2-0 away defeat against Bournemouth.
Mukiele, Sunderland defender, said: “I have to be honest with you, we are not good, we are not good enough. We struggle everywhere, we do not score enough and we concede so much”.
The disappointing start to the season comes off the back of a remarkable first season back in the Premier League, the Black Cats secured a Europa league place after finishing 7th on the final day – defying all the odds.
Mukiele said: “We have to go back to basics and how we were last season, if we do not improve as a team we will stay where we are.
“The Sunderland fans and the city do not deserve this, we have to keep fighting.”
An important factor for Sunderland’s survival last season was their strong start which enabled them to build confidence and momentum. November 25 – Sunderland defeated Chelsea 2-1 away from home which saw them climb up to second in the table.
Flash-forward a year, Sunderland sit bottom of the league, with genuine fears of relegation to the EFL Championship.
Sunderland 25/26 vs Sunderland 26/27 (after 7 games played):
Goals scored – 7 vs 6
Goals conceded – 6 vs 14
Points – 11 vs 4
Results – 3 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses vs 1 win, 1 draw, 5 losses
League position – 9th vs 20th
Sunderland supporter, George said: “Le Bris has been brilliant and so has the full squad.
“I don’t think he (Mukiele) should be criticised. What he said was right, it wasn’t just one or two players – the full squad was poor on the day.”
Sunderland supporter, Stu, said: “As a Sunderland fan there is always relegation fears. They have played well in games but just haven’t had the results to show for it”.
James Copley, journalist at the Sunderland Echo, said: “Mukiele’s comments were honest and highlighted legitimate concerns about Sunderland’s standards, mentality and poor performances. Recent performances are a genuine concern, particularly their lack of creativity and goals.
“Le Bris deserves time to turn things around, but he must address the attacking issues and justify his team selections.”
