Mike Dodds believes his struggling Sunderland team is ready for the international break, but first this weekend’s “really important” match against QPR comes first.

After six straight losses, the Black Cats are in urgent need of a victory over the Rangers to improve their spirits.

Although Sunderland has fallen out of the play-off picture and down the Championship table, Dodds is keen to make sure the season isn’t over and wants to go out on a positive note.

The interim head coach thinks his team will benefit from having a rest during the upcoming international halt, but if they win this weekend, it will be much simpler to arrange a two-week vacation.
Despite being in danger of relegation, QPR has shown improvement since hiring Marti Cifuentes as head coach. Before losing to Middlesbrough over the weekend, the team had won four straight games.

“I know it’s a big game, I really do,” Dodds remarked. Since taking over as interim manager following Michael Beale’s departure, Dodds has dropped his last four games.

They’ve become better with the new coach. I’ve already seen a couple of their matches. It will be extremely difficult for us because of how well-organized they are while not under our control. However, we have a whole week to get ready. This game is really significant to us.”

Jack Clarke has been a huge loss for Sunderland in recent weeks, but Dodds is optimistic the winger will be near.