McCarthy still relishing challenges of management

Mick McCarthy, is managerof the Black Cats - he must also feel like one, says Damian Spellman.

SUNDERLAND boss Mick McCarthy insists he is a lucky man despite the run of defeats which has left his side’s Premiership dream in tatters.

The Black Cats’ 2-0 defeat by Liverpool on Wednesday was their third at home inside 11 days, their eighth in succession in all competitions and the 21st of McCarthy’s reign in 24 top-flight outings.

It left them with just five points from the first 45 they have contested this season - the worst start to a Premiership campaign - leaving the most optimistic of their fans believing relegation is now a certainty.

That is hardly the background against which the manager would like to take his side to Tottenham looking for a season-turning victory today, but he is adamant he is relishing the challenge of his job despite the pressures.

“I’m doing my level best - if I ever thought I was doing beneath that, then I might have a problem, but that’s never in question. I enjoy the training, I enjoy the games - I don’t enjoy being beaten, but going out there into our place or White Hart Lane is still a thrill for me, and being in charge and trying to get points.

“I’m a remarkably lucky fella to be doing the job I’m doing, and I keep reminding myself of that. I’ve got nothing to bemoan my luck for.

“At the minute, we’re finding it hard with the football but that’s something we can change. I’ll keep trying to change it and it’s amazing how it can change if you finally get that break.”

McCarthy always knew the season would bring with it bigger and more difficult challenges after the glory of lifting the Coca-Cola Championship trophy, but admits the stark change of fortunes has been difficult to bear.

“Six months ago, we were champs,” he said. “Six months on, at the moment, we are feeling like chumps, unfortunately. But the stat that’s got to keep us all going is West Brom had 11 points after 20 games last season and managed to stay up.”

The air of doom and gloom on Wearside is one which McCarthy is trying not to allow to get to him, although he knows it will be harder to protect his players.

“I know for players who are 19, 20, 21, 22, that can be extremely difficult, going out for a bite to eat or going to the pictures or just living a normal life and seeing people whose daily lives you are affecting because we are not winning games.

“That can be difficult for the players. For me, I get a smack on the chin and stick it out again and have another go. That’s the way I am.”

Injuries continue to rob McCarthy of some of his more influential players, and none more so than Julio Arca, whose return from a fractured toe is seen as crucial if his side is to survive.

“He will have to be a combination of Pele, Maradona and Johan Cruyff, won’t he, and probably Franz Beckenbauer thrown in, if we are going to rely on him to turn everything around,” McCarthy said with a smile.

“I don’t think that’s going to be the case, but it will certainly make a huge difference to us. I don’t want to be detrimental to Andy Welsh or anybody else that’s played on that left-hand side, but Julio is a Premiership player.

“With the squad we have, we need those players fit and able to play. They do make a difference.”