Regis Le Bris has worked wonders at Sunderland in his first season on Wearside, and Patrick Roberts has now revealed one of the secrets to that success.
Eyebrows were raised at Sunderland when they appointed the relatively unknown Frenchman in the summer, but Regis Le Bris has silenced his critics, and then some.
Still firmly part of the Championship title race as things stand, Sunderland appear to be on track for promotion via the play-offs at the very least.
So, how does Le Bris do it? Patrick Roberts has shared an insight into the Sunderland manager’s methods and what he demands of the players.
Regis Le Bris will not allow players to take their ‘foot off the gas’
Speaking to the press after the win over Portsmouth on Sunday afternoon (via the Sunderland Echo), Roberts explained how the Sunderland squad is feeling given their current form, and how Le Bris ensures they always give their best.
Roberts said: “I think when you’re winning, it makes it feel a bit easier and you go into games, especially when you’re playing well, because you could easily take a foot off the gas and the manager doesn’t let that happen.
“He has a different game plan, and you set up a different way and just evolving as a team. These things are nice and I’m sure he’s proud in that sense of the word. We come here today, we get three points, which is the most important thing at the end of the day.”
That sentiment tracks, given Le Bris himself was disappointed with Sunderland’s points haul from the festive period, despite taking ten from a possible 15. Clearly, the boss wants nothing but the best from his team.
Gaining promotion will take everything Sunderland have got
For Sunderland, the priority this season has to be the league, but Le Bris must ensure he doesn’t burn the players out, too.
Of course, he has a great opportunity with the FA Cup tie coming up to rest a number of key players, with the cup competition really not something the club’s fans are interested in right now.
Sunderland will surely use youngsters in the FA Cup, before turning their attention back to the all-important fixture against Burnley in the Championship in a fortnight.
If Sunderland can keep up this incredible momentum they have gathered, there’s no reason they can’t go all the way this season and do something unthinkable, by returning to the top flight where they truly belong.