Régis Le Bris
Sunderland AFC recently hosted Guillaume Allanou, head coach of French club Stade Briochin, as he pursued the prestigious BEPF qualification, the highest coaching certification in France. Allanou’s visit to Wearside provided him with valuable insights into the coaching methodologies employed by Sunderland’s head coach, Regis Le Bris.
Guillaume Allanou said: “It was a chance to see how a club that was fourth in the world’s best league before that matchday trains. In training, I saw Premier League players bringing the intensity of the Premier League. I told my players [at Stade Briochin], when they’re in training, from the first minute to the last, they’re working hard, giving it their all. They’re there to earn their place. Even if that doesn’t stop them from having a laugh, because that’s true on every pitch in the world.”
Guillaume Allanou said: “Regis delegates a lot of the training side of things. He has six assistant coaches, not counting the athletic trainers, the doctor, the physiotherapists, etc. On Tuesday, there were eleven members of the staff on the sidelines. His priority is to focus on the matches. He conducted the debriefing after the Arsenal game, and prepared the Fulham game. He’s a true manager. He gives the directives; he sets the work priorities. Then it’s the assistant coaches who design the sessions and manage all the operational aspects. There’s a coach in charge of the defenders and then another for the midfielders and another for the forwards. And then a set-piece specialist… Regis only keeps the pre-match session. He takes over everything concerning the game plan and tactics.”
Allanou’s observations highlighted the rigorous training environment at Sunderland, emphasizing the Premier League’s demand for high intensity and professionalism. He noted the players’ dedication to earning their place in the team while maintaining a sense of camaraderie.
Regis Le Bris, Sunderland’s head coach, employs a comprehensive delegation strategy, allowing him to focus on match preparation and tactical planning. With a team of six assistant coaches and additional staff, Le Bris ensures that each aspect of training is meticulously managed. This approach allows him to concentrate on setting directives and work priorities, while his assistants handle the operational details.
Allanou’s experience at Sunderland underscores the importance of a well-structured coaching regime, where delegation and specialization play crucial roles. This insight into Le Bris’ methods provides a glimpse into the sophisticated coaching strategies that underpin success in the Premier League.t
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