Dick Advocaat’s verdict on Sunderland’s plight was not lost in translation yesterday. “Niet Lachen” was the two-word message that the head coach placed on his desk before discussing tonight’s Capital One Cup tie against Exeter City: Don’t Laugh.
It was a quirky reminder to Advocaat that there is nothing to smile about at the club occupying 19th place in the Barclays Premier League and seemingly unable to recruit players of the quality he wants. A failure to land them before the September 1 deadline will only increase doubts about his desire to stay at the Stadium of Light.
Asked about progress in the transfer market since their draw against Swansea City on Saturday, Advocaat replied: “Not much. I am not happy at all. Every day it is a different story.”
Sunderland are competing with Bournemouth for Jonathan de Guzmán, the Napoli midfielder, and are interested in Jason Denayer, the Manchester City defender, but these are loan deals and Advocaat is demanding far more ambitious investment by Ellis Short, the owner, and Lee Congerton, the sporting director.