Sunderland left-back Bryan Oviedo has stated that the club’s players are working hard behind the scenes to rebuild morale and a winning mentality after their relegation last season, according to a report from the Chronicle Live.

The Black Cats had been putting off what seemed inevitable for some time prior to their relegation, which ended a ten-year stay in the Premier League as they finished bottom of the table with just 24 points.

Oviedo, who only joined Sunderland in January of this year, has made just one league appearance this season as he has been recovering from a minor injury that kept him out of the first four league games.

Speaking to the Chronicle, the 27-year-old had this to say:

“Last season was difficult for everyone,” he said. “It was not easy because normally we were playing well but we lost. It’s not nice.

“This season is different. We need to have a winning mentality, that is the most important thing because for me and for everyone we want to be in the Premier League next season. That’s the most important thing for us.”

Simon Grayson’s men get their season back under way after the international break against Sheffield United at the Stadium of Light.

The Verdict

Having a strong mentality within your squad can be the difference between winning and losing at times.

There has never been a team to gain promotion to the Premier League that hasn’t had a winning mentality, if you don’t have that then you won’t get too far.

Oviedo is right, Sunderland need to get their mental strength back on track or else it could get a lot worse than the Championship for the Black Cats.

What do you think Sunderland fans? Can your team regain a winning mentality? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!