Vito Mannone warns Sunderland players they're playing for people's jobs
Thursday 7 April 2016 08:55, UK
Vito Mannone has told his Sunderland team-mates they are playing to save people's jobs as they bid to avoid relegation.
Sam Allardyce's team are still four points from Premier League safety after Norwich pulled further away from the bottom three with a 3-2 win over fellow strugglers Newcastle at the weekend.
Italian goalkeeper Mannone has been involved in a fight against the drop before with Sunderland and appreciates the impact falling out of the top flight could have.
He told the Northern Echo: "I think anyone who is intelligent will understand you have so many people and going into the Championship will mean there might have to be some cuts.
"Some managers might decide to talk only about football but I think as a player and as a human person you have to know that you go onto the pitch with this responsibility.
"You can't help but think about what will happen to everyone at the club. From my point of view, it all comes into it.
"I care about each individual that might lose their job. That makes it even more important to survive.
"I know about how hard life can be. I come from a family where my father had to do two jobs and my mother has always worked as well.
"They had to do that so we could be a family. I have been in that position so I am not the kind of player who thinks only about himself.
"When I go on the pitch, I feel as though I have a bigger responsibility. I have to represent everyone at the club so when I put the shirt on, it is not only about me. I try to do my best."
Sunderland are unbeaten in four games but have drawn them all and need to start winning to enhance their chances of survival.
They face leaders Leicester on Sunday then visit Norwich next weekend and that fixture in particular is one in which could determine their fate.
Mannone knows there is now little room for error and added: "We are human and make mistakes, everyone does, but if you put all of your effort into your job, you try to do it for everybody.
"I hope that people see how much the club and city mean to me. I think as a player, you always need to show your passion and how much you care. I care about the club - not only for myself.
"Each fan would like for us to stay up and be in the Premier League so that, next year, they can come and be proud of this shirt and this club.
"You need to take that into consideration when you go onto the pitch."
