Nazariy Rusyn

Nazariy Rusyn has reflected on his struggles at Sunderland, revealing he always felt like he was “playing catch-up” after joining the club without the benefit of a full pre-season. The Ukrainian forward admitted that injury setbacks and the language barrier made it hard to adapt, while a lack of trust from new manager Regis Le Bris signalled the beginning of the end for his time on Wearside. “At one point, I was even playing right-back in training,” Rusyn said, acknowledging that despite his efforts, the club had already moved on. Now on loan at Hajduk Split, Rusyn is embracing a fresh start, though he concedes a return to Sunderland is unlikely after the club insisted on a purchase option in his loan deal.