Dion Dublin makes telling Régis Le Bris observation as BBC discuss Sunderland manager's future
BBC pundits discussed Régis Le Bris' position at Sunderland following Sunday's crucial victory over Chelsea
Régis Le Bris' position at Sunderland came under the spotlight on BBC's Match of the Day following the Black Cats' much-needed Premier League victory over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light.
The Frenchman had come under increasing pressure following a difficult start to the league campaign, with Sunderland heading into Sunday's encounter bottom of the table. However, an impressive performance against Chelsea offered a timely reminder of the qualities that helped the club secure European football last season.
Le Bris had faced criticism over his tactics, team selections and Sunderland's recent performances, with frustration among supporters growing following Thursday's Europa League clash with Dinamo Zagreb. Speaking on Match of the Day, presenter Kelly Cates acknowledged the pressure surrounding the Sunderland head coach but suggested the performance against Chelsea demonstrated that his players remained committed to him.
"Régis Le Bris has a lot of credit in the bank, having taken Sunderland into Europe last season, but they went into this game bottom of the table, and so there was a bit of pressure on them," Cates said. "We're at that stage of the season, going into the second international break, but they seem to be playing for their manager. He talked about them finding their identity, finding what it has been that's made them so good."
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Former England striker Dion Dublin agreed with that assessment, pointing towards Sunderland's energy, tactical discipline and willingness to follow their manager's instructions. "Yeah, I just think they seem to have a lot of energy," Dublin explained. "They seem to be taking on board his information, and they're doing what their manager wants them to do to the letter, because it's working. It's not pretty. If they need to go long, they go long. They don't complicate it. Get it to the big man. He'll hold it up. We can get out."
Dublin's comments highlighted Sunderland's more direct approach against Chelsea, with Brian Brobbey providing a physical presence in attack and allowing his teammates to push further up the pitch. The Dutchman had two big chances to score and won the penalty for Enzo Le Fée’s winner.