Sunderland have been a bit of a surprise package in the Championship this season.
Having appointed a relatively unknown and untested manager in Regis Le Bris during the summer, few expected much from Sunderland in the opening stages of this season.
But the Black Cats have surprised everyone with what’s been a blistering start to the 2024/25 season.
Sunderland sit in 1st place of the Championship table following a 3-1 win vs Portsmouth last time out, with four wins from four and just one goal conceded so far.
Le Bris is earning huge praise from fans, whilst the Sunderland owners and Kristjaan Speakman are also earning praise for their patience in appointing Le Bris over the summer.
The Black Cats go up against Plymouth Argyle in their next Championship outing and Le Bris will be expecting his side to win.
The Green Army sit in 22nd place of the Championship table having taken just two points from a possible 12 so far this season.
Regis Le Bris says what has surprised him at Sunderland
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Le Bris was asked what he’s found ‘pleasantly surprising’ about his Sunderland side so far this season.
And the Frenchman gave an interesting answer, saying: “I like the connection. And the way that these players wanted to share ideas about the game, for example during the half-time.”
Le Bris added: “They share ideas, and they want to solve problems. So for me, it’s one of the key concepts of the performance.
“If the players are aware of the way they are playing, the problems they have to solve on the pitch, and they share the ideas instead of just waiting for the correct answer from the coach, it’s a good point.”
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Sunderland now have one thing that they didn’t have before
Last season, it was so clear that Sunderland were lacking experience, and specific Championship experience.
But they’ve added that with some of their summer signings, notably Alan Browne, and now they’ve got players in their ranks who’ve got experience.
Names like Dan Neil and Dan Ballard are considered experienced pros in the Sunderland first-team, and Le Bris’ above comments may be symbolic of the growing levels of experience within the side.
Le Bris and Sunderland may have met at the perfect time, and that would explain the positive results on the pitch so far this season.
Plymouth is a potential banana skin though, so it must be approached with caution.