John Mensah is confident Sunderland can secure European qualification, despite a recent wobble.
The Black Cats have suffered three straight defeats in the Premier League to slip behind Liverpool in the race for sixth spot.
A 2-1 defeat to Tottenham on Saturday provided their latest setback, denying them the chance to profit from Wigan’s 1-1 draw at Anfield.
There is, however, still a belief around the Stadium of Light that results will improve and a best-ever finish in the top flight can be obtained.
“It is not good to lose three games in a row,” Mensah told the Evening Chronicle.
“Normally Sunderland always win at home and then draw away.
“It is difficult to take, but we have to keep our minds together and keep working hard. I believe we can get our form back.
“I am still confident we can finish in the top six, we just have to keep working hard.”
Bad luck
With the FA Cup set to take centre stage this weekend, Sunderland will have gone two weeks without a game by the time they travel to Everton on 26th February.
Mensah admits that is far from ideal, with there no immediate opportunity to make amends for the recent slump, but is confident that the Black Cats are playing well enough to suggest that a reversal in fortune is on the cards at Goodison Park.
“It was very disappointing because we were determined to get three points before the break,” said the Ghana defender on the defeat to Spurs.
“Things did not work out and you have to put some of that down to bad luck. The way we played, we deserved to win the game.
“Spurs took the victory and now we have to focus on the next game.”
