'They deserve it' – Alan Shearer makes honest Sunderland admission after historic Europa League qualification
Alan Shearer has praised Sunderland’s remarkable season after their historic return to Europe
Alan Shearer has admitted Sunderland “deserve” their place in the Europa League after a remarkable final-day win over Chelsea secured European football for the first time in 53 years.
The Black Cats completed one of the most extraordinary campaigns in their modern history by finishing seventh in the Premier League, just one season after winning promotion through the Championship play-offs. A 2-1 win over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light was enough to seal European qualification, with results elsewhere also going Sunderland’s way.
The players were seen gathered around a phone after full-time as they waited for confirmation of the wider picture, before celebrations erupted once their Europa League place was confirmed. Speaking on Match of the Day, Kelly Cates said: “For the first time in over 50 years. This is how they found out. They were all gathered around one phone, trying to watch and find out if they knew they would be playing in Europe. But they were absolutely delighted by that. And no one was more thrilled for them than you, Alan.”
Shearer replied: “Yeah, absolutely. 53 years, first time in Europe. They deserve it. They've had a brilliant season. I mean, they signed 14 players last summer, around £160million. And their home form has played a huge part in that, as we thought it would do. And yes, they beat Newcastle home and away. They're in the Europa League, and they've had a fantastic season. I mean, it's incredible for a promoted side to finish in the Europa League.”
Shearer later expanded on his praise on The Rest Is Football, admitting Sunderland’s achievement deserved respect despite his Newcastle connections. “I was waiting for that. I mean, Europa League for Sunderland. What a job he's done, the manager. Unbelievable.
“I mean, we know how difficult it is for teams coming up, but to recruit that many players and get them into the system and do as well as they did, as much as it hurts me, they turned Newcastle over twice, home and away. So respect where it's deserved. They've done really well. They've had a great season, and to get into a Europa spot is some achievement for Sunderland, really is.”