Phillips makes ‘big’ Sunderland claim as Louis-Dreyfus reportedly unhappy
Kevin Phillips has backed under-pressure Sunderland manager Lee Johnson after Saturday’s win over Ipswich Town.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Stadium of Light legend said the Black Cats “put a marker down” with their performance against Paul Cook’s side.
Late goals from Luke O’Nien and Aiden McGeady helped Sunderland to a 2-0 victory over Ipswich yesterday.
It was a much needed win for Lee Johnson’s side who had lost their previous three League One fixtures.
Ahead of the game, Football League World revealed Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus club’s hierarchy he was unhappy with their form.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of Louis-Dreyfus’ position, Phillips said: “It’s big for Sunderland.
“Ultimately, when there is talk of owners not being happy it means the manager is under pressure. Louis-Dreyfus had every right not to be happy before the international break as the results weren’t good.
“I’m up in the area quite regularly now and there has been a little bit of unease and unrest.
“The thing is, in League One you will have blips. I think everyone should stay calm.
“Yesterday was an important game. It was quite clear that before the game Lee Johnson was under pressure. He knows it.
“Lee set the players up yesterday and they got the result for him. They showed it against a good Ipswich side as well.
“It was a great opportunity to put a marker down and that’s exactly what they did.”
In other news, Sunderland have been tipped to sign an ‘experienced’ operator in January after Phil Smith claim.