Xhaka urges “fire” as Sunderland return to Europe vs AZ

Granit Xhaka has set the tone for Sunderland’s return to European football: the club captain has demanded “fire” from his players as they prepare to face AZ Alkmaar this Wednesday, marking 53 years since the Wearsiders last played in Europe. As The Guardian notes, the expectation is for an intimidating atmosphere at the Stadium of Light, with a near-49,000 crowd forecast.

“The stadium will be on fire”

Xhaka, who reached two Europa League finals with Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen (losing both), is approaching the tie as a real opportunity to dream bigger. “The stadium will be on fire,” he said, adding that he wants his teammates to be “on fire” both on and off the ball. The Switzerland midfielder also described the chance of reaching another European final with Sunderland as a “big, big dream.”

The report places the moment in context by recalling how Sunderland’s previous European appearance in the early 1970s was tied to practical needs at the time, including funding for floodlight upgrades. In 1973, the last continental run delivered a narrow aggregate outcome, but also came amid challenging conditions for fans and the wider region.

Energy is the key

For the current group, Régis Le Bris’s side are balancing the demands of a second top-tier season after promotion with the excitement of Europe. Le Bris said they’ve earned their place and that it’s important to go “all in,” while aiming to be strong in both the Premier League and Europe.

On the pitch, Sunderland want to overcome a free-scoring AZ team who, according to The Guardian, have started their Eredivisie campaign well (five wins and one draw from their opening matches). Xhaka may also face a tough test in midfield against Kees Smit, highlighted as one of Europe’s most promising young players. The captain’s message is simple: “To succeed in Europe you need energy in the dressing room,” and he believes that mindset is already there. Source: The Guardian.