What Michael Beale told Sunderland's players upon arrival as Luke O'Nien backs new boss after Coventry loss

Luke O'Nien says Sunderland's players need to take responsibility for their 3-0 defeat against Coventry as they didn't execute the game plan in the best way possible.

New head coach Michael Beale apologised to supporters following his first game in charge of the Black Cats, yet O'Nien insists training had been positive leading up to the game.

When asked about Beale's first week at the club, O'Nien told the Echo: "I think a lot of things have stayed pretty consistent. There’s areas that we are looking to improve, you can see his experience kind of coming into it. Before the game we were excited, we were confident, we didn’t quite execute the game plan. For me there’s a stage where they give you all the information and it’s up to us as players to deliver. We didn’t quite do that for the gaffer in the best possible.

"I know he will go out there and protect us but as a player, myself included, we take responsibility for that loss, which is good. As soon as we take responsibility, as we all do, it’s the best time to dissect it individually, collectively as a team.

"We’re not far off a very, very good team and he’s given us some really, really good information. We’ve only had three or four days together and it’s important that we learn fast. I think with the information and way he’s set us up we are going to have a very successful season.

"Obviously it’s a difficult start but it doesn’t take away from, in my eyes, the message he’s trying to give us. We just haven’t had a lot of time to absorb it all and deliver it in the best possible way. I’m dead excited to work under him and putting in better performances for him."

Asked if Beale had spoken to O'Nien, who has captained the side for most of this season, individually, the defender replied: "He says his door is always open and every player has been in and talked to him. He’s been great with us. For me, I’m gutted that we couldn’t put in the performance that merited the week’s work that we had. That’s football, you have to learn and move on quickly."

Sunderland are now preparing for their Boxing Day trip to Hull, before another away game at Rotherham three days later.