Marco Gabbiadini believes Sunderland’s upcoming home match at the Stadium of Light is precisely what Regis Le Bris’ squad need after their flat 1-0 defeat to Fulham.

The Black Cats struggled unusually at Craven Cottage, but they have the chance to respond when Bournemouth visit Wearside on Saturday. The Cherries are enjoying a strong campaign under Andoni Iraola and sit eighth, level on points with Sunderland, though they are winless in their last three league fixtures after defeats to Manchester City and Aston Villa and a draw with West Ham. For Gabbiadini, that sets the stage for an ideal reset for Sunderland.

What did Marco Gabbiadini say about Sunderland’s mentality?
Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle’s Total Sport, the former striker highlighted how bouncing back from setbacks has become a defining trait of Le Bris’ era.

He said: “It’s been part of the club for a couple of seasons now. The squad prides itself on that resilience. The players who’ve been here a while have kept that mindset going, and the new lads have bought into it. It takes a lot of character.

“Bournemouth are similar to Fulham in some ways. They’re not one of the big names, but they’ve been in the Premier League for a good few years and kept a strong core of players together through several transfer windows, even after relegation. That consistency makes a difference.

“We’re still early in our own journey and we have to match that. But a home game is exactly what we need. A big crowd behind the team can really help. Hopefully we’re all smiling next week.”

Saturday will mark the first meeting between Sunderland and Bournemouth since 2017, when Josh King scored an 88th-minute winner at the Stadium of Light during the Black Cats’ previous Premier League campaign.