Jay Matete says Sunderland will be 'testing themselves against some of the best' when they face European trophy-winners Roma this morning. The Black Cats take on Jose Mourinho's Europa Conference League winners at 11am today at the Estadio Municipal de Albufeira, in a game which will bring down the curtain on Sunderland's week-long stay in Portugal.
Sunderland have already faced Europa League finalists Rangers on the Algarve, and were winning 1-0 when that game was abandoned due to a powercut inside the stadium, but Serie A side Roma are likely to provide tougher opposition. Midfielder Matete was on the bench in the Rangers game, and any chance he had of making a contribution ended when the game was called off.
But with boss Alex Neil conscious that he needs to get as much gametime as possible for as many of his players as he can, Matete could play a part today. "It'll be a good test because obviously Roma are a big club," said Matete.
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"It's always good to test yourself against some of the best players and see where you're at, so I'm really looking forward to it. Obviously it's also an opportunity to get some more minutes in the legs, too.
"Pre-season has gone well. I've enjoyed being out here in Portugal - it's been tough in the heat, but getting fit, getting sharp, and we've got a good game coming up today to look forward to."
Matete joined the Wearsiders from Fleetwood Town in January and made 14 league appearances as the club secured a play-off spot, and also came on as a sub in both legs of the play-off semi-final against Sheffield Wednesday en route to promotion. He said: "It was a great experience to come in and be involved in the run to promotion.
"It was unbelievable to help a big club like Sunderland win promotion and get back to the Championship, and now we're looking forward to kicking on. After coming in in January, I just wanted to get playing as quickly as possible, and add value to the team.
"Looking back at it now, I did play a few games so I'm happy with that. I've never played in the Championship before so it will be new to me but I want to adapt quickly to it and show everyone that I can play at that level and have a good season."
The 21-year-old Londoner made his debut for Fleetwood under Joey Barton in 2019, but played the majority of his games for the club ex-Sunderland boss Simon Grayson.
"I did get on well with him," said Matete. "He's a very good coach, manager, and we got on well. I played quite a few games under him. He's been in the game a long time, he knows his stuff, and he's experienced. I learned a lot from him."
Now though he is working under Neil, and he believes the Scot's game style suits him down to the ground. He said: "He's a top, top gaffer, he's experienced and he knows the Championship well.
"I just want to learn from him and stay on board. I'm an athletic midfielder, I like to get around the pitch and be busy. The teams the gaffer has managed have been high-pressing teams so that will suit me."
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