Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has had a relatively short managerial career so far, with the Black Cats job being only his second.
Sunderland appointed Regis Le Bris as an unknown during the summer, after spending four months without a permanent manager in place.
The 48-year-old had just concluded his second season with Lorient in Ligue 1 which ended in relegation from the French top flight.
Prior to landing the Lorient manager’s job in 2022, Le Bris had spent almost two decades working as an academy coach with the likes of Rennes and then Lorient.
Since taking the Sunderland job, Le Bris has excelled. He has the Black Cats sitting in 1st place of the Championship table after 15 games, with many tipping Sunderland for promotion to the Premier League.
And Le Bris’ early success at Sunderland is down to years of learning the trade, and learning new environments.
Regis Le Bris ‘visited’ Arsenal, Chelsea and more before landing Sunderland job
Le Bris has given a lengthy interview with The Sun in which he explained his long-term desire to manage in England, and manage in new environments.
The Frenchman also explained how he prepared himself for what he hoped would be a first opportunity in England by visiting several different clubs, in order to get an understanding of the English football ‘environment’.
He said: “It was a whole new experience and I was aware that it would be different – but I liked that difference and was prepared for that.
“I have visited many football clubs in Spain and England so was aware of the environment and really liked it.
“Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Everton, Leeds, Chelsea, Arsenal and probably two or three more. I’m like that, I’m curious about new ideas, behaviours and thinking about football.”
Regis Le Bris currently facing major hurdle at Sunderland
Le Bris seems to have been planning his first English gig for a long time now. After his initial success, it seems those visits to England and all the time spent learning the language has paid off.
But he’s now facing what is surely his toughest test so far: Le Bris takes on Millwall at The Den this weekend and Sunderland have several players injured and suspended for the game.
Le Bris is going to have to field a rather makeshift team and it’ll be a true test of his tactical mettle.
And playing at The Den will also put to the test his knowledge and preparation of English football and stadia, with Millwall’s home ground being one of the most difficult to take points at.
Kick off is at 3pm on Saturday afternoon.