Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris reflected on the positives despite the defeat to Swansea City.
Sunderland suffered defeat to Swansea City at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats never looked at their best the entire Saturday afternoon as Ben Cabango’s goal for The Swans saw off Regis Le Bris’ side, which had several poor performers.
Notably, Sunderland fans were disappointed with Tommy Watson’s performance following the clash, but there was a silver lining in Harrison Jones making his Black Cats league debut on the other hand.
Le Bris, following the poor defeat on home soil, reflected on the positives of Jones receiving a valuable appearance as part of the first-team set-up, having spent many games occupying the bench, and the Frenchman also had other reasons to be happy, despite being handed a 1-0 loss.
- READ MORE: The former Sunderland player that once compared himself to World Cup and Champions League winner
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris notes the ‘important’ positives following defeat to Swansea City
Black Cats boss Le Bris was disappointed with his side’s performance following the 1-0 loss to Swansea City, but he also reflected on the positives of the game, in particular about the impacts of utilising such a rotated side.
Per Sunderland Echo, Le Bris said: “I think we can find different reasons for our performance, but I think probably the first is that in this period, it’s important to manage the squad. We have to refresh some players, so, for example, so we’re not rushing the process with Enzo. This option gives you a chance for Harrison, and a first league start is an experience you have to learn from.
“We are in this period with a specific goal at the end of the season. We want to win every game, but we want to manage the squad, to build, gradually, the best shape of the squad so they are available [for the play-offs]. And during that time, we give young players opportunities to grow.”
Jones was one of the few surprise inductees into the starting 11, although it was somewhat expected that Enzo Le Fee might have started in place of Watson in this clash. However, the French boss has made it clear that he doesn’t want to take any risks with his compatriot.
Harrison Jones debut will bode well for future Black Cats star
When Le Bris reflects on the defeat, it is clear that he expresses the sheer importance of Jones being handed his first league start for Sunderland, an unsurprising remark because of Le Bris’ desires to prioritise developing younger players.
The Sunderland boss certainly never rushes into giving opportunities to youngsters, but he has done a brilliant job in aiding the development of the youngsters, which is the reason for the rise in form and quality of the likes of Eliezer Mayenda and Chris Rigg.
It certainly is just the start of a brilliant career for Jones, who Sunderland fans will certainly become accustomed to seeing in-and-around the first-team starting 11; despite the defeat against Swansea, there were positives to build on for the youngster.