Melker Ellborg opens up on Sunderland’s Europa League squad decision
Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg has admitted he was disappointed after being left out of the club’s Europa League squad, revealing that he had hoped to play a part in the competition this season.
Régis Le Bris has overseen a significant transformation at the Stadium of Light since taking charge in 2024. The Frenchman helped Sunderland secure promotion to the Premier League through the Championship play-offs before guiding them to a seventh-place finish last season, a result that earned the Black Cats a place in the Europa League.
However, Ellborg was not included in Sunderland’s squad for the group stage of the European competition.
Speaking on Fotbollskanalen’s Lundh podcast, the 23-year-old goalkeeper explained how he reacted to the decision.
“It’s sad news that came the other week,” Ellborg said.
He suggested that Sunderland’s large number of overseas players played a role because of the competition’s foreign-player quota.
“We are a club with a lot of foreign players and this foreign quota doesn’t suit us very well,” he explained.
Ellborg also pointed to the rules surrounding goalkeepers, which allow a goalkeeper to be replaced in the squad if another goalkeeper suffers an injury.
“There was a rule that if the goalkeeper gets injured, you can replace that goalkeeper and bring in another one, which doesn’t work with outfield players. That’s when they made that decision.”
Ellborg determined to make the most of his situation
Robin Roefs has established himself as Sunderland’s first-choice goalkeeper since joining from NEC Nijmegen last summer.
Ellborg arrived at Sunderland during the winter transfer window and featured five times during the second half of last season. His only appearance this campaign came in Sunderland’s EFL Cup victory over Hull City earlier this month.
Despite finding himself behind Roefs in the pecking order, Ellborg insists he understands the demands of being a backup goalkeeper.
“It’s nothing new. I’ve been in that position many times before. So, I know what it’s about and that you have to make the best of the situation,” he said.
“Although it’s sad not to play every weekend, there are training weeks where you can develop even though you don’t play at the weekend. So, it’s really about making the best of the situation.”
Nevertheless, Ellborg acknowledged that missing out on European football remains disappointing, particularly because he had pictured himself being involved in Sunderland’s Europa League campaign.
“No, absolutely [it’s still sad]. Those were matches that I saw myself being able to be involved in, influence and play in. So, it’s clear that it was a sad decision,” he admitted.
The Swedish goalkeeper is now focused on turning his disappointment into an opportunity to continue developing his game.
“I always try to get new perspectives on situations. Now, instead, I’ll be able to stay home during the week and train, working on the details I want to refine.”
“it’s sad” – sunderland’s melker ellborg breaks silence after régis le bris delivers europa league blow
