Saturday 6 December 2014 14:06, UK
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has backed his players to bounce back from losing to Manchester City in midweek by proving they are a team for the big occasion when they face Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.
Striker Sergio Aguero was in sparkling form scoring two and setting up another in Manchester City's 4-1 win at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night.
The result shattered the Black Cats' fine recent record against the best in the Premier League but Poyet is confident his team can recover by taking three points at Anfield.
Poyet said: "I don't think we need to repair anything but the idea is to keep believing. I think it was more of a dream that we were in a position not to lose any of these three games in a row.
We need to be brave - that's the word we're going to use the most this weekend
"I think the players know they played against one of the most in-form strikers in the world right now. It does matter how you defend but even then (Aguero) can do something special, so that kind of helped.
"The players need to recover. They don't have time to complain or put themselves down - they need to go there and take the opportunity to take the three points."
Sunderland have had a tough week, facing City on the back of earning a gutsy goalless draw against Chelsea last Saturday, but Poyet is hoping Liverpool will have one eye their Champions League clash with Basle next week.
The Cats boss added: "This has probably been one of the toughest (weeks) - you are always willing to challenge yourselves against extremely good managers and players but all in a row in one week is not ideal.
"(But) there are times when you need to make sure you take that opportunity, knowing how difficult it has been so far for Liverpool and the expectation created this season because of what happened last season.
"Also with the Champions League three or four days after - there are plenty of things there that mean if we play our proper game we have a chance.
"We need to be brave - that's the word we're going to use the most this weekend. We are going in there willing to play and make it difficult in both ways, offensive and defensive."
