‘It’s not been ideal…’ – Sunderland man reveals frank dressing room conversations ahead of Coventry City
Trai Hume Opens Up on Honest Sunderland Talks Ahead of Coventry Play-Off Clash
Sunderland defender Trai Hume has revealed the squad has engaged in frank, honest discussions during their recent dip in form, as they shift their full attention to the upcoming play-off semi-finals against Coventry City.
Despite securing a top-six finish, the Black Cats ended the regular season with a fifth straight defeat, falling 3-0 to QPR at the Stadium of Light.
The string of poor results has raised concerns ahead of the two-legged play-off tie, but Hume says the team isn’t shying away from accountability.
“There have been honest conversations all season,” the right-back said following the QPR loss. “Whenever we haven’t got what we wanted, we’ve addressed it.
Our standards are high, and when we don’t meet them, we talk about it — sometimes harshly, sometimes generously. It’s all part of what happens behind closed doors.”
Hume also highlighted the benefits of a recent training camp in Portugal, saying it provided valuable time for the squad to reconnect and refocus. “It wasn’t an ideal run of games, but Portugal was a good chance to regroup.
We trained hard and bonded as a team, and now all eyes are on the play-offs. Like Nick Barnes said, these are our cup finals — that’s where our full attention is now.”
The 23-year-old has been one of Sunderland’s standout performers throughout the campaign, contributing nine goal involvements from right-back.
While proud of his development, Hume says the priority is collective success.
“I just try to do my job to the best of my ability. It’s been a good season for me personally, although I always feel I could do more. But the goal now is the same for everyone — end the season on a high and get promoted.”
Sunderland’s play-off campaign begins on Friday, May 9th, with the first leg at Coventry’s CBS Arena kicking off at 8pm. The return leg will be held at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday, May 18th, also at 8pm. The aggregate winner will advance to the final at Wembley on Saturday, May 24th, with the kick-off time yet to be confirmed.
Both semi-final legs will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with BBC Radio Newcastle providing live commentary. The Sunderland Echo will also deliver in-depth coverage before, during, and after both matches.
