After a spell with Hartlepool United, the Sunderland defender made his way back to Wearside last week.
Though he acknowledged he needs to play more games, Sunderland defender Zak Johnson expressed that he is “excited” to be back at the team.
Following the conclusion of his loan agreement with National League team Hartlepool, the Black Cats announced last week that Johnson will be returning to Wearside.
“I’m happy to be back. I had a great day at Hartlepool. After his return, Johnson remarked, “I think it was a massive learning curve in terms of the physicality that’s needed to get to the higher level.”
“I think it was really important for me to be physically beaten by strikers and to come back here and process that.” I just want to get out on the grass and get healthy again despite my injury.
“Hopefully, I can go on and show what I’ve learned and replicate that in games when I’m back here and show the new gaffer what I’m about.”
“I’m back running today and I’m going to be running for the next week and hopefully back on the grass next week in terms of training,” Johnson continued when speaking about his injuries. I’m not sure about contact; it may be half of the week that is spent in contact and the other half not.
“I am hoping that the week after that I can maybe get more minutes on the pitch and then go from there.”
In September of last year, the eighteen-year-old signed a one-month loan agreement with Pools, which was later extended until January. Johnson joined Sunderland’s first team for their preseason US tour, and he played in 12 games during his time at the Suit Direct Stadium. In August, he also began for Sunderland against Crewe in the EFL Cup.
When questioned about playing for Hartlepool, Johnson responded, “It has been enormous.” “It has made me more interested in playing men’s football.” I’m now really itching to travel and play more football for men.
Right now, all I want to do is play games and work as hard as I can. I have to make an effort to participate in as many games as I can, whether they are with the 21s, our first team, or another squad. I believe that playing center back regularly would help me become the greatest player I can be.”
