Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele has made it clear the Black Cats are not backing down in their pursuit of European football, insisting the squad will battle relentlessly through the final stretch of the season.
The Frenchman was the decisive figure in Sunderland’s narrow 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, with his deflected effort proving enough to secure a crucial three points at the Stadium of Light.
That result has further strengthened their unlikely push, leaving them just two points behind sixth-placed Chelsea and firmly in the mix for a European spot.
Reflecting on the campaign so far, Mukiele pointed to Sunderland’s strong start as the foundation for their current position, while acknowledging the challenges they have had to navigate along the way.
Injuries and international absences — including disruptions caused by AFCON — tested the squad’s depth, but he believes they have handled those setbacks impressively.
Despite those hurdles, Sunderland have remained competitive, and their place in the table is, in Mukiele’s view, a reflection of the consistency and resilience shown throughout the season.Now, with only six matches remaining, the focus has shifted.
The club’s original objectives have effectively been surpassed, and Mukiele believes there is an opportunity to achieve something even greater. Confidence within the squad remains high, with belief growing that their quality can carry them over the line.
His message is simple: Sunderland are not satisfied yet. With momentum on their side and a tangible target in sight, Mukiele has underlined the team’s determination to keep pushing — vowing they will fight all the way until the season’s final whistle in pursuit of a remarkable European finish.