The former Sunderland managerial candidate has spoken about his previous links to a job in England.
Sunderland’s managerial hunt this summer most certainly took up a lot more time than was expected, before they finally pulled the trigger on French boss Regis Le Bris.
With the exception of the last weekend, where Sunderland lost out to Plymouth Argyle on their travels, Le Bris has managed to completely transform the side that had such an abysmal end to the 2023/24 season, where they finished 16th in the Championship.
Even with a similar squad to last year, certain individuals have developed massively over the last month or so, most notably Romaine Mundle, who has managed to successfully fill the sizeable void left by former Sunderland winger Jack Clarke, who departed Wearside for Premier League side Ipswich Town.
It could have worked out incredibly differently for the Black Cats, who at one point were closing in on bringing in Will Still before he took up a role at Ligue 1 side Lens. He has now since commented on the links he had to an English club in the summer.
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Will Still comments on managerial links to England after Sunderland interest
Sunderland were heavily-linked with a move for Still after the job he did with Ligue 1 side Reims.
However, the Belgian born English manager has now stated that he was always likely to stay in Ligue 1, although he still dreams of an English move in the future.
Per L’Equipe, Still said: “Everyone was sending me there [England], but in my head, nothing was decided. I always said that one day I would like to go there, because I am English, I have a house there, my partner lives there, but I never said when.
“The sporting project is much more important, and I want to think selfishly about my career. I know Ligue 1, what it can bring me, what a club like Lens can mean for my development.
“There were negotiations with other clubs, but [Lens] president [Joseph Oughourlian] called me and I had always said that if there was a team here that I would never refuse, it was Lens. Three days later, I had an agreement with them. It was the right club, at the right time.
“No way [wanting to leave Ligue 1]. I’ve never had any problems with anyone. I know what happened, why I left, but that’s it. I don’t blame France or the journalists. The best decision was made.”
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Sunderland dodged a bullet by bringing in Regis Le Bris
When Le Bris was first brought in at Sunderland, there was a lack of optimism over the appointment as on the surface it seemed to be a back up option to Still, however it has most certainly worked out for the best for the Black Cats.
Looking at Le Bris’ senior coaching career, it was far from comprehensive, as he had managed just two seasons with French side Lorient, however when delving into his past experiences, it became clear that he was the perfect manager to lead Sunderland as a result of his past involvement in youth coaching.
Of course, it is very early to decide whether Le Bris has been a success so far, however all signs are pointing towards the French boss continuing to get the best out of his side, as it could have worked out incredibly differently under Still, who has less youth coaching experience than Le Bris.