Régis Le Bris
Sunderland delivered a remarkable performance to secure a victory against Leeds United at Elland Road, reaching the 40-point mark in the Premier League. Despite facing a challenging injury list, Sunderland’s manager, Régis Le Bris, expressed his pride in his team’s resilience and character.
Régis Le Bris said: “I had this feeling just at the end. Yes, at the end of the pre-game presentation I told the players, if we win here it means a lot. We had this memory from last season, I knew that it was a tough place in the Championship, it’s a tough place in the Premier League. With their intensity, they had a good run and they are a good team with a strong crowd, strong energy. This place, if we win here, it means a lot about the character, the intensity and the togetherness of the squad. And we did it, so well done.”
Le Bris continued: “I’m really proud, happy for the lads, happy for the staff, the club and the fans because this win away at Leeds means a lot because it was a question of energy and togetherness. I think we defended really well – first half was brilliant pressing wise, it was really well done. We were not brilliant with the ball, I think we still have room for improvement but it is what it is. It was really intense, a game without oxygen, it’s more or less this idea. In a game like that, you always have one or two opportunities and the question is to seize it and it was the case so well done.”
He added: “Omar and Ballard were impressive – they are back to their best level. We had a tough period around the festive period and it was obvious that we were a bit tired but after that I think now they have a good energy and we definitely need strong centre-backs for throw-ins, for direct play. Calvert-Lewin is brilliant in the air so if you are not strong and ready to fight with technique but also a great mindset, you can’t exist at that level.”
The victory was not only a testament to Sunderland’s tactical prowess but also highlighted the standout performances of centre-backs Omar Alderete and Dan Ballard, who were pivotal in maintaining the team’s defensive strength during the match’s crucial moments. However, the win came at a cost, with Sunderland’s injury concerns persisting.
Régis Le Bris issued an update on the injury front: “It’s not clear at the minute [exactly how long he’ll be out for] because it will be symptoms-based,” Le Bris said of Roefs. “It might be two, maybe three weeks. We’ll see for Newcastle, we’ll see, we’ll have to wait.”
He further commented on Bertrand Traoré’s condition: “It might be [a recurrence], yes, unfortunately.”
Le Bris also confirmed: “Jocelin has had surgery, he will be out for 10 to 12 weeks.”
The absence of key players like Robin Roefs, Bertrand Traoré, and Jocelin Ta Bi poses significant challenges for Sunderland as they prepare for upcoming fixtures. The team will need to rely on their depth and resilience as they navigate these injury setbacks.
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