How Jose Mourinho played ‘phenomenal’ role in raising Sunderland star who’s key to Black Cats’ play-off hopes

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Sunderland are just two days away from their second Championship play-off campaign in three years, as they prepare to face Coventry City at the CBS Arena on Friday evening.

It’s been a season of ups and downs for the Black Cats, and after a tremendous start, they fell away in the last couple of months. After eventually finishing 24 points behind Leeds United and Burnley, Regis Le Bris will be hoping that his side can return to form over the course of the net 180 minutes of football.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LeedsLeeds	46	29	13	4	95	30	65	100
2	BurnleyBurnley	46	28	16	2	69	16	53	100
3	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	46	28	8	10	63	36	27	90
4	SunderlandSunderland	46	21	13	12	58	44	14	76
5	CoventryCoventry	46	20	9	17	64	58	6	69
6	Bristol CityBristol City	46	17	17	12	59	55	4	68

They fell at the semi-final stage in 2023, losing out to eventual Championship play-off winners Luton Town and Sunderland’s lack of form heading into this year’s edition will leave supporters fearing the worst once again.

Nevertheless, Le Bris’ players will be primed and ready, and one of his key stars has already spoken about the influence that a top manager can have a young footballer as the days tick down to kick-off.

Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin explains Jose Mourinho’s impact on his career

For Dennis Cirkin, the memories of two years ago will still haunt him for different reasons as injury denied him an opportunity of helping to take Sunderland back to the Premier League following their relegation in 2017.

He played every minute of the previous season’s League One play-offs in his first campaign at the Stadium of Light, and he will be hoping that his experience then will help carry him through to the top flight.

The 23-year-old is yet to feature in Premier League after coming through the academy at Tottenham Hotspur, but that has not diminished any of the respect that he has for Jose Mourinho – the manager of the club during his time in North London.

Cirkin spoke about the legendary boss’ impact on him ahead of Sunderland’s clash with Coventry, he said (via: The Northern Echo): “I always speak so highly of him [Mourinho].

“He brought me up at Tottenham. I had a very good relationship with him in terms of he had his job to do for the team but for the young players, either him or his assistant was always there for you. They’d always give you advice and in a way they wouldn’t treat you any different to the first team.”

The full-back concluded: “I really enjoyed working with him and learning from him. He was a phenomenal manager and still is. I really enjoyed it.”

Dennis Cirkin has a point to prove in the play-offs

Injuries have once again been an issue for the former England U21 international this season, and he only returned from another setback a couple of weeks ago. However, he will be hoping to help rectify Sunderland’s Championship play-off record now that he is back to full fitness.

Cirkin’s attacking play is just as important as his defensive work, and there will be a hope that he can find himself pushing forward against a Coventry defence that has not always been as rigid as perhaps desired this season.

The Black Cats will be more than aware of the challenge that awaits them, with their head-to-head record against the Sky Blues poor and they may be forced to hold out at the CBS Arena on Friday.

Nevertheless, at 23, Cirkin still has plenty of experience that he can call back to and he will be hoping to making former manager proud by finally helping to take Sunderland back to the Premier League.