Sunderland’s Régis Le Bris on Chelsea’s Big Test in Pre-Match Presser

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Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris spoke ahead of his side’s Premier League Matchweek 10 game against Chelsea at the Stadium of Light on Sunday 8 November, with kick-off at 2pm. His main themes were whether Sunderland should change their shape and approach, and how much of their identity to keep.

Sunderland are 20th with 5 points from 9 games, having won one, drawn two and lost six, with 7 goals scored and 17 conceded. Chelsea are fourth with 16 points from 9 games, with five wins, one draw and three defeats, and have scored 19 and conceded 15.

Consistency versus evolving

“Consistency is key, but making decisions to evolve is also important.”

What he said

Le Bris opened by setting out two competing ideas: keeping a settled approach, and making changes where they are needed.

What he meant

He did not rule change in or out, which suggests nothing has been settled. Sunderland have lost three of their last six matches in all competitions and scored 5 goals while conceding 10 in that run, so the question of what to alter is a live one.

Possible tactical changes

“We have those conversations with the leaders, with the coaching staff about what we need to improve to get better. That’s obvious. Is it the shape? Is it the way we play? The way we build up? The way we press?”

What he said

Asked about possible tactical changes, Le Bris said the discussions are happening with senior players and the coaching staff. He listed shape, style of play, build-up and pressing as areas under consideration.

What he meant

Describing the need to improve as “obvious” is an acknowledgement of the numbers. Sunderland have conceded 17 goals in nine league games and scored 7. He named no specific change, so the line-up and system for Chelsea remain unconfirmed.

Sticking to identity

“It’s important to stick to the identity because if we move from one side to the other side, you lose your strength.”

What he said

Le Bris then argued for keeping the team’s identity, warning against swinging from one approach to another.

What he meant

This points to adjustments rather than a wholesale rethink. His concern is losing what the team already does well, even with one league win from nine. The one recent win came 3-2 against Brentford at home, though it was followed by defeats at Coventry and against Dinamo Zagreb.

The need to adapt

“But at the same time, if you don’t evolve, probably you don’t adapt, so it’s important to think about those topics. I agree.”

What he said

Le Bris balanced his previous point by saying a team that does not evolve may fail to adapt, and that these topics need thought.

What he meant

Taken with his earlier answer, he is arguing for refinement within an established way of playing. Sunderland are without Dan Ballard and Habib Diarra (muscle injuries), Reinildo Mundle (knee) and Nordi Mukiele (concussion), according to the absence list, which may limit how far any change can go.

Chelsea game priority

“We know that the most important game this week is at the end of the week against Chelsea.”

What he said

Le Bris described the Chelsea match as the most important of the week, which is the Premier League fixture at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

What he meant

Chelsea arrive fourth, with 19 league goals, and beat Manchester United 2-0 on 31 October. They also have seven players on the absence list: Anselmino, Martinez (broken jawbone), Gittens (ankle), Hato, Joao Pedro (thigh), Lacroix (muscle) and James (knee). Le Bris made no reference to those absences.

Confidence check: Measured

Le Bris sounded measured rather than bullish. He spoke in terms of what the team need to improve and described the need for change as “obvious”, while stressing that the team’s identity should be kept. He made no claim about the result against Chelsea.

The facts explain the tone. Sunderland are bottom of the table on 5 points, have lost three of their last six and last scored more than once in the 3-2 win over Brentford on 28 October. Chelsea are 11 points ahead, have won three of their last six and scored 11 goals in that run.

His language was about the process of getting better, not about a plan for the game, and he gave no team news.

How to watch

Sunderland vs Chelsea kicks off at 2pm UK time on Sunday 8 November, live on Sky Sports Premier League. Subscribers can stream it on Sky Go, NOW.

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