Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris spoke to the press on Thursday, and he highlighted something about English football that he’s yet to experience.
Regis Le Bris has now been in charge of Sunderland for six months. So far, he’s overseen 22 games and has won exactly half of them, drawing seven and losing just four.
After a 3-2 comeback win at Swansea City last time out, Sunderland now sit in 4th place of the Championship table and are one of four teams in the league on 40 or more points for the campaign.
The Black Cats are well on course to challenge for promotion this season. But the busy festive period could takes its toll on this young side in the form of injuries, with Tommy Watson the latest Sunderland absentee.
January may end up coming at a good time for the Black Cats who, whilst they have a lot of injuries, do have a few of those injured players on course to return in the New Year.
Regis Le Bris baffled by festive fixture list at Sunderland
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Le Bris was asked for his thoughts on the amount of games that Championship teams play around Christmas, with Sunderland set to play five times in just 16 days.
Le Bris said: “Yeah, really different. It doesn’t exist at all [in France]. So it will be a new experience… Our opponents will be involved in the same dynamic so the depth of the squad probably will be important.”
Le Bris previously oversaw 76 games as Lorient manager in France’s Ligue 1. There, teams break for a week over Christmas. “Seven days, it’s massive,” added Le Bris.
Christmas could be make or break for Regis Le Bris and Sunderland
Before an FA Cup clash against Stoke City in January, Sunderland play five Championship games against Norwich City at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City, Sheffield United, and Portsmouth.
Interestingly, Le Bris suggested an uncertain future at Sunderland during his Thursday presser and so this next string of games could be make or break for his side’s season, and maybe his approval ratings among fans and within the club.
It’s still been a very strong season, though. And if Sunderland fall off in the coming weeks then it could be pinned on injuries and inexperience in the side, which isn’t Le Bris’ fault.