‘A little bit useless’ – Noah Sadiki delivers blunt Sunderland verdict to anxiety question ahead of Chelsea showdown

Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki has rejected suggestions that anxiety is driving the squad's poor form, urging the team's leaders to step up instead. Following a frustrating Europa League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb at the Stadium of Light, Sadiki noted that talking about their issues is "a little bit useless" unless it leads to tangible action on the pitch against Chelsea.

Manager Regis Le Bris' side sits bottom of the Premier League with five points from nine matches after also losing to Coventry City. Sadiki admitted this is the toughest period of his Sunderland career, echoing previous concerns raised by captain Granit Xhaka as the club prepares for Sunday's clash before the international break.