Sunderland currently lead the Championship with 28 points from their first 12 games, showcasing a remarkable start to the season. Régis Le Bris attributes this success largely to the team’s developing tactical maturity, especially in their home games at the Stadium of Light. Their recent 2-0 victory over Oxford United, which extended Sunderland’s lead in the league to five points, highlighted their progress. Le Bris praised his players’ adaptability, particularly when Oxford altered their formation at halftime. Sunderland managed to quickly adjust their pressing strategy, a shift that Le Bris noted as a testament to the team’s newfound versatility.
This season, Sunderland has vastly improved its home record, securing 16 out of a possible 18 points, in contrast to their struggles last year. Reflecting on this turnaround, Le Bris explained that each home match has presented unique challenges, but consistency and adaptability have been crucial. He emphasized the importance of making quick, in-game adjustments to maintain control, something the team has mastered over their past six or seven matches. “We’re not perfect,” he admitted, but highlighted how, when Oxford changed their shape, Sunderland adjusted within minutes without losing cohesion—a scenario that might have caused disruptions in the past.
Le Bris isn’t surprised by Sunderland’s high level of performance, believing it reflects their underlying potential. The coach noted that while Sunderland showed flashes of this quality last season, such as in their “perfect” game against Southampton, they struggled to replicate it regularly. This season, Le Bris sees consistency as the missing piece, explaining that high-quality play must be maintained week after week for sustained success. He believes the current squad has the talent needed to perform consistently, and that their recent achievements come down to an evolving team culture, maturity, and accumulated experience.
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