Sunderland back Le Bris despite rock-bottom Premier League start

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 4 Nov, 08:42 · Archive

Sunderland will not sack manager Regis Le Bris despite winning just one of their first nine Premier League matches and sitting bottom of the table.

Sunderland will not sack manager Regis Le Bris despite a dire start to their Premier League season. The club, currently rock-bottom with one win and six defeats from nine matches, has confirmed the Frenchman remains central to their plans and retains the full backing of the board. A decision was made to communicate Sunderland's position publicly on Monday morning to stave off speculation about Le Bris's future.

The club acknowledges that results have been unacceptable and recognises supporter frustration, particularly following Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Coventry that extended Sunderland's winless league run to seven games. However, the board believes there are signs of improvement, particularly with summer signing Malick Fofana beginning to settle. Senior players and the dressing room are described as remaining supportive of the manager.

Sunderland's approach to the crisis emphasises stability and collective responsibility rather than managerial change. The club has held recruitment meetings recently and is prepared to back Le Bris in the January transfer window if required. Part of the issue is attributed to the time needed for summer signings to bed in.

Le Bris's position is strengthened by his track record at the club. He joined Sunderland from Lorient in June 2024 and oversaw promotion back to the Premier League in his first season. He then guided Sunderland to an impressive seventh-place finish and secured qualification for the Europa League, the first time the club had qualified for European competition in 53 years.

The added demands of the Europa League campaign may be contributing to the domestic struggles. Sunderland have made an unbeaten start to their league phase with wins against AZ Alkmaar and Torreense and a draw against Lech Poznan. The club face Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League on Thursday before hosting Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

BBC Sport understands Le Bris's job is not in immediate danger and he will be given more time to turn things around. Captain Granit Xhaka questioned the team's 'courage' after the Coventry defeat, whilst defender Nordi Mukiele claimed the side had become 'arrogant'.

How it is being reported

• Why is it going so wrong for Le Bris at Sunderland?Will qualifying for the Europa League end up costing Sunderland their place in the Premier League at the end of the season?BBC Sport · 4 Nov, 08:27
• Sunderland make Regis Le Bris decision with club rock-bottom of Premier LeagueThe club’s hierarchy have backed the Frenchman to turn things around after a dire start to the domestic seasonIndependent Sport · 2 Nov, 13:11
• Bottom club Sunderland to stick with manager Le BrisBottom club Sunderland are firmly behind manager Regis Le Bris despite their poor start to the season.BBC News · 2 Nov, 12:04
• How Sunderland plan to save Regis Le Bris – with January signings aheadThe Black Cats have three reasons for standing by the manager despite awful formThe i Paper · 2 Nov, 12:01

In this story: Regis Le Bris · Sunderland · Malick Fofana · Coventry City · Chelsea · Dinamo Zagreb · Granit Xhaka · Nordi Mukiele

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