On october 2012 · journallive.co.uk
CARLOS Cuellar says Sunderland must play with their heads and not their hearts as they search for a first derby win in four years.
The Black Cats’ recent record in these regional tussles is nothing to write home about, with Kieran Richardson’s free-kick winner in 2008 registering as the only Wearside success for Sunderland in 32 years. But their team is stronger than in previous years and with Newcastle not showing much form, there appears to be little between the two clubs in the run-up to Sunday’s big game.
Derby debutant Cuellar is looking forward to his first taste of the regional rivalry but says that Sunderland must not allow the idea of defeating their rivals to become all-consuming.
“The manager doesn’t need to be more passionate for this game, it’s the kind of game where you’ve got to hold back as a player because you’re so excited,” he said. “Sometimes you don’t think straight. Sometimes you’ve got to play with your head than your heart, although we have to keep that intensity in the game of course.”
Cuellar has been a popular addition to the Black Cats mix, engaging with the local population and supporters after his summer switch from Aston Villa.
His willingness to embrace the region means that he has been left under no illusions about the importance of victory on Sunday.
“Friends and fans have been sending me messages this week. The fans are telling me we don’t care about the other games this season, as long as we win these two, nothing else matters. The players are very aware of our responsibilities in this game,” he said.
“You’re representing a mass people. That responsibility makes it even more important.”
Although he has never played in a Tyne-Wear clash, Cuellar is no stranger to the passion of the British derby game.
He played in the Old Firm for previous club Rangers and was sent off in one of his four games, none of which ended with defeat for the blue half of Glasgow.
“They were amazing, some of the best game I ever played in my life, so frantic,” he said. “You come from abroad and everyone says it’s a big game, and you say ‘okay it’s a big game’ but it’s more than that. You live the atmosphere and you feel how the people feel, how important it is for all of them.
“I was sent off in one of them, I hope to stay on this time. It was a good save (‘saving’ a Shunsuke Nakamura free-kick on the line)! I like the feeling and the intensity. I love the sensation.
“We won the two home games and lost two away, one when I made that good save.”
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