Sunderland unveiled Regis Le Bris as their new coach today and he immediately focused on getting the best out of Jobe Bellingham, kid brother of England and Real Madrid superstar Jude, as he inherits the hottest of hot seats in the Championships
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris vowed to buck the trend of managerial sackings on Wearside as he became their eight coach in four years.
The newly appointed French coach was unveiled by the club yesterday insisting he has a clear plan to get the best out of stars Jobe Bellingham and Jack Clarke but says he will need time to develop a young squad.
Le Bris was boss of French side Llorient, who he led to a tenth placed finish before they sold players and were relegated last season. At Sunderland he has been ordered to add value and performances to the Stadium of Light outfit, who could yet be raided by the Premier League with both Clarke and Bellingham, a target for Crystal Palace, in demand.
Le Bris, speaking perfect English: “This job is unstable. We need results, confidence and support to achieve our goals. It is uncertain. I believe in the vision so I am confident and we need to be lucky sometimes and we need to work hard. I can’t read the future. It is better to provide a long term view. We also need to deal with the pressure.
“I think we have a shared goal, and a shared methodology. When the head coach changes a lot for the players and their development, they have many consequences. Development needs time and nurture. Players will have experiences. We will have a game plan and model. If it works fine. We will learn lessons that were good.”
Le Bris gave his first speech in English before training on Monday and yesterday outlined the identity he wants including hard work, industry and intensity.
He added: “We spoke about it with the players this morning. The identity of the team must be linked with the whole club. The region. The fans. We need to enjoy that and gain their energy. We want to be a proactive team. Being proactive is having an idea in every phase: defence, attack, pressing, counter pressing and so on.
“I explained it is a question of balance. There are a lot of games in the Championship. The games are long, sometimes 100 minutes, so the main identity is intensity, high pressing. Fast attacks are important but also we need to control the game at other moments. Our brand is the commitment, energy and to feel that in our team.”
He gave his verdict on the most famous of English football brothers with Euros star Jude playing in the quarter final on Saturday and Jobe, 19, on Sunderland.
He said: “It is difficult for two brothers, and for the younger one to build himself. They are different. I need to have more sessions with him before saying anything. He is very talented and very young but had more than 70 games, a huge experience for his age. He is ambitious and wants to improve.
“It would be interesting for him to understand how his brother performs now, but he has to find his own way. I think he is a great player.
“I have not watched much of the Euros. I have been busy watching Sunderland’s games from last season. We have many tasks. Working on training, recruitment, organisation. I have no time to think about anything else, just Sunderland. I am here and 100pc with the club and I enjoy.”
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