Sunderland Board Backs Regis Le Bris Despite Slump

Board maintains faith in Le Bris

Regis Le Bris retains the full support of the Sunderland board and remains central to their plans. The 50 year old Frenchman has come under increasing pressure following a poor start to the Premier League season.

Sunderland sit bottom of the table with one win from nine matches. Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Coventry extended their winless league run to seven games. They have collected just one point from five matches on the road.

European run and domestic struggles

The club hierarchy recognises the frustration of fans and shares their disappointment with recent below par performances. However, board members still believe the former Lorient head coach can turn fortunes around.

Le Bris built up strong credit over the summer. After leading Sunderland to promotion through the play offs, he guided them to a seventh placed finish in their first season back in the top flight after an eight year absence. That run delivered European football for the first time in 53 years.

The team has made an unbeaten start in the Europa League with wins against AZ Alkmaar and Torreense, followed by a draw against Lech Poznan in Poland. The extra matches appear to have taken a toll on Premier League form, but the board believes stability and collective responsibility are the best way forward.

Upcoming fixtures at home

The Black Cats return to action at home against Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday in the Europa League before hosting Chelsea at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Sunday.

What it means for the next game

Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb (Europa League, Thu, 05 Nov): Sunderland win 56%, draw 25%, Dinamo Zagreb win 19%; expected goals 1.74 to 0.90. Our safest pick: Sunderland or Draw.

Sunderland vs Chelsea (Premier League, Sun, 08 Nov): Sunderland win 27%, draw 27%, Chelsea win 46%; expected goals 1.10 to 1.52. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.