Regis Le Bris has given supporters a good indication of exactly what he can bring to Sunderland in his first interview as head coach.
Le Bris joined Sunderland from Lorient last week, but fans had to wait until today to hear from their new manager.
The Frenchman arrives after only two years in senior football, guiding Lorient to a tenth place finish before overseeing their relegation last season.
Le Bris has never played or managed in England, but is eager to be the pivot in the Black Cats’ race for the play-offs.
While very little is known about him on Wearside, he has admitted that he knows a lot about the club now just from speaking to various people.
Le Bris worked as a coach at Rennes during Yann M’Vila’s time at the club, while he brought Vito Mannone to Lorient in 2022.
Despite moving to Lille last summer, the former Sunderland goalkeeper made sure to speak highly of the club to Le Bris.
Vito Mannone ‘loved’ playing at Sunderland
Speaking to the club’s official YouTube channel, the head coach said: “”I coached before some players who played here as M’Vila, for example, or other players. It was obviously a huge curiosity to understand who you are because the history is very strong.
“I need to learn, I need to understand who you are. For sure, it will give me some elements to train the team and to explain to them how we want to play. You mentioned the players that you coached who had an affection to this football club.
“It’s all about the history, but also about the future. So, we need to link together these two ideas and to build the future. Vito liked this club.
“He told me that it was a great club. He loved playing here. So, I’m sure I will enjoy being here with the players and with the fans here at the club.”
Le Bris’ interview brings a lot of hope to Wearside
Mannone became a fan favourite at Sunderland when he spent four years at the Stadium of Light earlier in his career.
There had been whispers of a potential return in recent seasons, but he has so far remained in France since 2020.
If Mannone recommended Le Bris move to Wearside, then fans will hope they can trust him in believing he is a capable manager of leading the club forwards.
He certainly spoke very well in his interview, with a huge focus on developing the current players in his squad.
It will be a very important pre-season for everyone at the club, but Le Bris can still only coach what is in front of him, and it is down to the board to bring in the players he needs to progress.