Sunderland look set to move on three players following their recent absence.
Sunderland’s recent trip to Bloomfield was an eye-opener for many fans as thousands flocked to the coast to catch a glimpse of how the Black Cats had implemented Regis Le Bris’ style of play.
Alan Browne gained his plaudits after a solid performance in the centre-of-the-park, in which he was described as ‘very intelligent and experienced’.
Young midfielder Chris Rigg was also heavily praised for his cameo in the 1-0 victory, with the 17-year-old delivering a performance that evidently ‘injected real intensity to the game and played a part in the winner’.
On the other hand, Le Bris made it clear that he looks to cut down his squad and play with less substitutes, which led to Portuguese striker Luis Hemir being dropped from the side.
Hemir wasn’t the only absence from the team, with it becoming clear that three players that didn’t play ‘do not feature in Le Bris’ plans’.
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Sunderland set to move on Jay Matete, Jewison Bennette and Luis Hemir
After their absence from the away trip to Bloomfield Road, Jay Matete, Jewison Bennette and Hemir are reportedly not in Le Bris’ plans for the 2024/25 Championship campaign, with ‘Sunderland officials actively attempting to move them on’, per We Are Sunderland.
Hemir was the only one of the trio that endured a full 2023/24 campaign at the Stadium of Light, however he was unable to make an impact after struggling to find the back of the net throughout the season.
Matete was loaned to League One promotion winners Oxford United in the January transfer window, whilst Bennette endured a half season spell at Greek side Aris Saloniki.
- READ MORE: Regis Le Bris will be impressed by Sunderland youngster who is ‘taking every chance’ in pre-season
Regis Le Bris’ relentless style will work in Sunderland’s favour
It certainly is a very bold call from the French boss to move on the Sunderland trio of Matete, Bennette and Hemir, however this relentlessness could bode well in terms of the mentality of the squad.
With less places in the squad available, following Le Bris’ comments about down-sizing his matchday side, competition will increase in the fight for places.
The remaining Sunderland ranks will also want to make sure that they impress Le Bris early on as a result of the evidence of him making firm decisions on the players that he doesn’t believe quite make the cut.
Mentality was also a clear issue last season with Sunderland finishing in a lowly 16th place, however Le Bris already looks set to be setting his side up mentally to get the best out of them.
The common denominator amongst the three players is their lack of experience, and that is something that Sunderland are trying to turn a corner on by bringing in leaders. As brutal as it is, the youngsters under-performed last season, leaving Le bris to correctly make calls on the ranks that did not live up to expectations.