Bailey Wright insists no Sunderland confidence crisis despite dismal run of form

Bailey Wright insists there is no crisis of confidence at Sunderland despite the Black Cats' dismal form in 2022.

The Black Cats' weekend reverse at home to MK Dons made it four defeats in five games the Wearsiders, and they have won just one of their nine games since the turn of the year.

They went into 2022 as league leaders but have now slipped out of the play-off places.

But Wright says the players have 'full belief' that they can turn around this run of form and make sure they do not miss out on a play-off place.

"When you win games naturally confidence comes," said the Australian defender.

"I think we are confident in terms of we know what we can do as a group, we have full belief that we will get results and can turn this bad run of form around.

"Of course a win helps confidence but I don't think we are unconfident at all.

"We had a good week's training and really the lads have worked hard, we have learnt what the manager wants from us and a lot of that we did well on Saturday.

"We need to make sure we keep a strong mentality and a focus to go and get ourselves out of this run that we are in, that we will do, and I think that's the most important."

Sunderland are still adjusting to life under new head coach Alex Neil, who replaced Lee Johnson following his sacking at the end of Janaury.

Neil's first game ended in a 1-1 draw at AFC Wimbledon, and his first home match in charge has now ended in defeat.

Wright said: "The new manager has obviously come in and brought his new ideas in, which have been good and the lads have responded well and everyone has enjoyed it.

"We are just disappointed that we couldn't go and get the win on Saturday.

"Things do change at a club but we're footballers, we've been in this situation