Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has urged his players to maintain perspective amid a run of five consecutive draws in the Championship.
While the Black Cats haven’t won since their victory over Oxford in late October, they remain unbeaten in their last 10 matches, showcasing both resilience and consistency.
A Tight Championship Race
Despite the recent frustrations, Sunderland are just two points behind league leaders Sheffield United and have an opportunity to leapfrog them when they meet at Bramall Lane on Friday. Reflecting on the team’s form, Le Bris acknowledged the dropped points but emphasised the broader positives.
“At Millwall, it was different, at Preston we didn’t deserve to win, at Millwall maybe, today [West Brom] we deserved to win,” he said. “At least it shows we are becoming consistent, and we can face different styles of play and scenarios. We are difficult to beat.”
Le Bris also praised the depth of his squad, noting that injuries and suspensions have tested the team’s resources.
“With injuries and suspensions, it shows as well the depth of the squad is better. At the end of the game, emotionally we have to be stable. It’s not easy but as a coach it’s my job. I want to remain positive. I repeat West Brom are a strong team in the top six and we dominated the game from beginning to the end so it’s a good sign.”
Maintaining Perspective
The head coach has been working to ensure his players focus on their achievements rather than recent frustrations. Despite their winless streak, Sunderland have risen from last season’s 16th-place finish to contend at the top of the table.
“It’s a long league, and resilience is very important,” said Le Bris. “The difference between a win and a loss is very subtle, but 10 games unbeaten means we are consistent, which is a good sign for the future.”
The recent draws include games against tough opponents like Coventry, Millwall, and West Brom. Against West Brom, Sunderland dominated play but failed to capitalise on their opportunities, leaving Le Bris simultaneously frustrated and encouraged by their overall performance.
Writer’s View
Regis Le Bris is striking the right balance between addressing frustrations and celebrating progress. Sunderland’s unbeaten streak demonstrates their growing resilience and consistency in a highly competitive Championship. While the recent string of draws has highlighted their struggle to close out games, the Black Cats are well-positioned in the promotion race. A strong result against Sheffield United could reignite their winning momentum at a crucial point in the season.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
