Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris was asked to clarify one decision that he made in the draw with Norwich City.
Sunderland drew 0-0 with Norwich City in the midweek clash at Carrow Road, as the Black Cats weren’t quite able to build on their previous two successive wins.
It was a rather tepid draw for Regis Le Bris’ side, who were far from being at their best against an out-of-form Canaries side, with Dan Neil struggling for Sunderland in the centre of the park.
Elsewhere, Milan Aleksic was notably off the pace, but was played out of position when thrown into the deep end. Also notching a surprise start was Tommy Watson, who was utilised ahead of Enzo Le Fee in the starting side.
Following the tie, Le Bris was asked about his decision to start Watson, despite his confirmed move away from Wearside at the end of the season.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris sets the record straight with ongoing Tommy Watson situation
Watson agreed a move from Sunderland to Brighton on April 1st, with the youngster moving to the south coast following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.
Sunderland fans have called for Watson to be dropped due to the little need of developing a player that they have already confirmed a fee for, and it looked as though Le Bris was set to push him back in the pecking order, with him not playing a part in the away victory against Tony Mowbray’s West Brom.
However, Le Bris clearly still holds the winger in good standing based off his recent comments, as, per Sunderland Echo, he was asked whether Watson was set to play an important part for the remainder of the campaign.
“I hope so. Absolutely. At the weekend, it was a decision purely connected with the game. That was the dynamic, and the choice we had to make as a coach and a staff. Tommy is available and connected with the team.
“He is a Sunderland player and is motivated to be promoted at the end of the season. I have no worries over him and, for the next stage of the season, Tommy will be a Sunderland player to the end and I am really confident about using him as a left winger, a right winger or even in other positions until the end of the season.”
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Tommy Watson inclusion will help ensure Regis Le Bris doesn’t fall into one trap
There are certainly pros and cons to utilising Watson in the latter stages of the Championship, and there is no doubt that Romaine Mundle’s untimely injury has played a part in Sunderland boss Le Bris deciding to keep the 18-year-old in his plans.
However, there certainly is the silver lining of Le Fee not having to be shipped out wide in favour of Watson, which means that the Frenchman is more likely to be utilised through the middle.
Sunderland boss Le Bris has already made the error prior in utilising Le Fee on the left, an area which feels as though he is wasted in comparison to through the middle, where he can have much more of an influence on the game.