Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has stuck by one key promise he made in his first press-conference.
The Black Cats’ 2024/25 Championship season has taken a slightly difficult turn in recent weeks, with Sunderland notching six games in a row without a win, however they have now returned to winning ways with a win against Stoke City.
The 2-1 home victory came down to a brilliant individual display by 18-year-old Tommy Watson, who notched a brace to give his side all three points.
Despite Sunderland’s recent poor fortunes, the performances have still been there, only with the finishing product in the final third not quite being up to scratch, with the Sheffield United game being the epitome of a top Black Cats showing, only without the goals to show for it.
Much of this is to thank Regis Le Bris for after showing clear brilliance in getting the best out of his side, and he saw the potential in the team from day one, and there is no doubt that he has been able to get one thing out of the side that he promised from the start.
Regis Le Bris’ high pressing promise from first day at Sunderland rings true
Sunderland’s style of play has been night-and-day difference in comparison to the 2023/24
It was always going to be a difficult task for Le Bris to undergo in order to get the very best out of Sunderland this season, and he has done incredibly well to have them in a promotion challenge this campaign.
The French boss remained fairly coy over what his expectations were for his side in regards to position in the table, but he definitely explained what he looked to get from the side in terms of style of play, and there is no doubt that he has succeeded in that.
Per the SAFC YouTube, Le Bris said this in his first press conference as Sunderland boss: “I think that this team can press high on the pitch.
“They did well in many games last season, it wasn’t consistent enough during the whole season but they were able to do it and also the technical level is high so we can have fast attacks, maybe six, seven, eight passes to reach the goal.
“Also, we can control the game so it’s a question of balance and if we share this intention I think we can have a very energetic game and, I hope, exciting for the fans.”
The stats show that Regis Le Bris is getting the very best out of his side
There is no doubt that Le Bris has succeeded in translating his favoured style of play into the current crop of Sunderland players, and that is clear based on the stats this season.
Per SofaScore, Sunderland have only managed an average of 46.7% of possession, however have managed to create the 7th most chances in the Championship. Their average positions in recent games only backs up just how high Le Bris’ side like to press their side and put them under pressure, with the hope that there can be a turnover of the ball and a quick counter, often utilising the wingers.
A recent blip doesn’t stop the fact that Sunderland have had a spoiled season under Le Bris, and as he continues to succeed in getting his style of play across, the more success that will be delivered towards the side.