It’s nonetheless very early days, however what a begin it has been for Sunderland below Regis Le Bris.
Two video games, two wins, and the one staff within the Championship but to concede a aim. It’s mild and day from the depressing second half to final season.
After a lot upheaval within the dugout, Le Bris had the bonus of a full pre-season together with his squad, and it’s exhibiting up to now. The freshness and brightness of his aspect was evident within the 4-0 demolition of Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday.
‘A breath of recent air’
“He’s been a breath of fresh air,” Sunderland winger Patrick Roberts advised Sky Sports activities of the Frenchman.
“He is introduced new concepts and a special mind-set and enjoying.
“We have had a little bit of time to adapt to that in pre-season, as a result of it is at all times onerous when a supervisor joins through the season.
“However in pre-season they’ll get us in and get throughout what they need when it comes to fashion and a gameplan.
“Coming in halfway through the season is never good for a manager and especially for the players, because you suddenly have to learn different things and change your approach.
“It is undoubtedly a optimistic for us as he got here in actually early.
“He’s very stipulated in what he wants, and that clarity is good because it brings us confidence.
“However throughout the construction there’s additionally quite a lot of freedom for gamers like me and Jack [Clarke], to do what we are able to do.
“He’s a very positive manager, and a very thorough manager. A lot of players need that, especially the younger ones we have here. You need that guidance and support.
“He is additionally actually light-hearted and a terrific character to get on with.”
A striker who scores targets!
One of the crucial telling contributions on Sunday on the Stadium of Gentle had been the 2 targets of Eliezer Mayenda.
That double meant the 19-year-old has already scored as many targets as any recognised striker managed for Sunderland final season.
It’s a place the place they’ve been horribly missing since for greater than two years, and Le Bris himself was extremely complimentary of the younger ahead.
“It’s really a good example for all the team,” stated Sunderland’s head coach.
“He wasn’t a starter last season but he still wants to improve. He has many qualities but he is still young, every day during the training session and after the games he played, he wanted to find the little details he can improve on. Today was the reward for him.
“I think there are two positions on the pitch where it is heavy to play – in goal and No 9. Because the pressure, the expectation, is very high.
“For a young boy like Eliezer, today was for sure a great experience. We also know that we need to repeat and this is the most difficult thing as a No 9 and for other positions on the pitch.
“I’m happy for him because he works hard, he’s very clear in the part of the games that he needs to improve. He’s always sharing ideas with the coaches and his team-mates and in the end he improves. This is a good example for all the team.”
A break-out season for Bellingham?
Throw into the combination Jobe Bellingham, who impressed in spells final season however drained badly within the second half of the marketing campaign after being overplayed and shifted everywhere in the pitch.
Le Bris has a plan for the 18-year-old, who has additionally not too long ago signed a brand new contract on the membership.
“For me, at the moment, Jobe is a midfielder who can play as a second striker but a midfielder in possession,” stated the Sunderland boss.
“I think this is his best position and I think the team will be better all round with Jobe in that position. The strikers available at the moment are improving.”
Protecting maintain of Clarke key
The slight elephant within the room is the way forward for Jack Clarke, who has been linked with a swap to the Premier League earlier than the tip of the month.
Shedding the 23-year-old can be a significant blow to Sunderland. Whereas he would command a big price, he can be nearly irreplaceable within the short-term when it comes to the standard he offers from that left aspect.
Ought to he nonetheless be on the membership come September, then the sky might properly be the restrict for this younger, thrilling aspect.