Sunderland have enjoyed a steady start to life under Regis Le Bris.
Regis Le Bris won his opening game as Sunderland manager, claiming a confident 2-0 win vs Cardiff City on the opening day of the 2024/25 Championship season.
Defeat would follow, after Le Bris made 11 changes to his side during the Carabao Cup defeat vs Preston in midweek.
Fans aren’t too gutted about the Preston defeat with focus entirely on league matters, ahead of a game against Sheffield Wednesday at the Stadium of Light this weekend.
For Sunderland, there’s plenty of matters off the pitch for the likes of Kristjaan Speakman to sort.
Speakman is still trying, and so far failing to sign a new striker, with Sunderland target Alexandre Mendy still a name wanted by the Black Cats.
Meanwhile, Sunderland have rejected a bid for Pierre Ekwah, with Italian outfit Udinese wanting to sign the Frenchman.
Le Bris though is focused on matters on the pitch, and he’s now highlighted a key problem for Sunderland this season.
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Regis Le Bris says Sunderland ‘balance’ could be an issue this season
Le Bris recently gave an interview to the club where fans were able to put their questions towards Le Bris.
He was asked one question about the style of play, and the Frenchman delved into what he thinks could be a key issue for his side this season.
So far, Sunderland have looked much more attacking and daring under Le Bris than they did under the likes of Michael Beale and Mike Dodds last season, whose styles were widely criticised by fans.
Le Bris said: “I think that the balance between having the ball, scoring, and being efficient to control the counter-attacks will be one of the main problems of our season.”
How Kristjaan Speakman can help Sunderland combat key Le Bris concern
One word from Le Bris there sticks out; ‘balance’.
In order for Sunderland to have balance on the pitch, they need balance in the first-team squad, and that’s certainly something that Speakman can aid with.
Right now, Sunderland’s squad is slightly lopsided; there’s arguably one too many central midfielders, not enough quality strikers, and not enough depth at full-back either.
Le Bris could also do with the likes of Ekwah getting back to his best, if he stays of course, as Ekwah is arguably the one midfielder who can turn defence into attack better than most.
Sunderland certainly face a lot of difficulties this season. But if Le Bris is given the tools he needs, then the Black Cats could prevail.