Advocaat: Pre-season form no reason to be alarmed
Dick Advocaat is unfazed by Sunderland's run of back-to-back pre-season defeats.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6xqcdfmxHs6tNLjU2RYWxR.jpg)
Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat said he is focused on building fitness and not results ahead of the 2015-16 Premier League season, after the club crashed to consecutive friendly defeats.
Advocaat's men surrendered an early lead as they were overhauled 3-1 by Mexican outfit Pachuca in Sacramento on Friday.
Jack Rodwell's fourth-minute opener was swiftly cancelled out by Ariel Nahuelpan's quick-fire brace before the interval, while teenager Hirving Lozano completed the scoring in the second half.
The result condemned Sunderland to back-to-back pre-season losses following their shock 1-0 defeat to Sacramento Republic on Tuesday, but Advocaat is not concerned.
"Everyone wants to win the friendly games, but it is about fitness. The day before the game we practiced two times," the Dutchman said afterwards. "They were very demanding sessions.
"I am focused on making sure we have the right shape and that we know what to do in certain moments against Leicester [City, on the opening day of the season], physical wise. I have no doubts about that."
Advocaat added: "Every day, you can see the progress. The players need less rest in between the exercises, you can see that.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
"It is coming. Playing games is the best exercise you can get."
![LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 5: Arne Slot Manager of Liverpool congratulates Mohamed Salah of Liverpool after the 4-0 victory during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Anfield on November 5, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/q3ie7X2vDDiU7X6C9HVRK7-840-80.jpg)
‘The pure simplicity of the way Slot has managed the squad is probably the biggest thing I could say about him. It’s not broken, so let’s get on with it’: Liverpool legend full of admiration for Jurgen Klopp's successor at Anfield
![CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 02: Wales captain Ryan Giggs shakes the hand of manager John Toshack after being substituted on his last International appearance for his country during the Euro 2008 Group D Qualifying Match between Wales and Czech Republic at the Millennium Stadium on June 2, 2007 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by (Stu Forster/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ooQ9oNmgvfUUG8TBUhn6BK-840-80.jpg)
‘I trained at Spurs and thought they’d give me a chance. But I received a letter thanking me but saying they didn’t think I was good enough – I was gutted’: How Tottenham missed out on signing Wales legend John Toshack