Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris has addressed criticism of his team’s defensive approach following consecutive matches where they dropped points from winning positions.
Speaking after a late equaliser at Millwall, Le Bris shared insights into the challenges facing his young side and the steps being taken to improve game management.
Addressing Defensive Concerns
In their last two Championship fixtures, Sunderland surrendered leads against Coventry City and Millwall, sparking frustration among fans who feel the team has been sitting too deep when ahead. While acknowledging room for improvement, Le Bris highlighted Millwall’s effective direct play as a key factor on Saturday.
“First of all, we are working on being more proactive in our zonal defence, this is absolutely clear,” Le Bris explained. “But at Millwall, they play really good direct play… It is not long balls just to kick the ball away, it is accurate, it is precise, and in the right spaces. They play the second ball very well.”
Le Bris credited his team for their defensive effort but emphasised the need for better composure under pressure. He noted that Sunderland lost possession unnecessarily, inviting further pressure and failing to regain control in crucial moments.
Game Management and Experience
The Sunderland manager pointed to inexperience as a contributing factor to their recent struggles. While the team’s youth brings energy and a willingness to attack, it also leads to mistakes in high-pressure scenarios. Le Bris acknowledged that his players need to better manage situations where the opponent gains momentum.
“We probably cleared too many balls when the pressure was not too big,” he remarked. “Rather than kicking the ball away sometimes, you have to keep calm and be very smart to play the first ball through the pressure. This isn’t an easy part of the game and we probably need more experience on this.”
Looking Ahead
Sunderland will aim to bounce back on Tuesday night when they host West Brom at the Stadium of Light. Despite recent setbacks, their strong home form offers hope of turning their fortunes around. For Le Bris, the focus remains on refining defensive organisation and improving composure to see out matches more effectively.
Writer’s View
Régis Le Bris’s analysis highlights a balanced perspective: while the criticism of Sunderland’s defensive lapses is valid, the challenges of integrating young players into a high-stakes environment cannot be overlooked. With a clearer focus on proactive defending and game management, Sunderland’s potential to solidify their standing in the Championship remains strong.
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