Enzo Le Fée has explained Sunderland’s frustration despite their historic European win and shared a heartfelt message for fans.

Enzo Le Fée has revealed Sunderland’s players were frustrated with aspects of their performance despite marking the club’s return to European football with victory over AZ Alkmaar.

The midfielder said the dressing room’s reaction reflected the standards Sunderland are setting themselves, with players believing they should have scored more goals and controlled the game better. There was pride in winning the club’s first European fixture in 53 years, but Le Fée made clear that the squad wanted more from their display.

It was also a deeply personal occasion for the Frenchman, who spoke warmly about the welcome he has received since joining Sunderland. Asked what it meant to become part of the club’s history, Le Fée said the supporters would remain in his heart forever and expressed his hope that the feeling would be mutual.

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Enzo Le Fée explains Sunderland’s demanding standards

Sunderland approached Wednesday’s occasion determined to apply the same principles that have served them in the Premier League. Le Fée said the players were focused on their game plan beforehand and, while pleased with the result, came away believing there was room for improvement.

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“No, we were like, like usual, focused on our game plan. And, and of course, we were ready to win, to put everything in the game to to show to our fans that we are ready, and and that we wanted to win,” he said.

“And at the end, I think it was maybe we were happy, but like we were, because we are, I think, really demanding with us. And I think we were a bit like, we could do better and we could score more goals in this game. But like like the coach said, sometimes even if everything is not perfect, you have to win, and we did it, so it's good.”

That response followed the ambition expressed by Granit Xhaka, who spoke before the fixture about wanting to win the Europa League. Asked whether the desire for more remained evident even after a historic victory, Le Fée explained that the players’ immediate thoughts included how they could make future performances more convincing.

“Yeah, of course, because everyone could be happy after the game because we won, but it wasn't like the feeling, you know? We are a bit frustrated because we could do better, and I think this is the way we have to follow to to be more efficient on every part of the game.

“And of course, will be a lot of games, and sometimes we have to to have more control. Like you said, we were a bit tired also, and I think this is the way we have to work.”

Le Fée’s heartfelt message to Sunderland supporters

The demands Sunderland place on themselves did not prevent Le Fée from appreciating the significance of the evening. The midfielder said the players understood what the fixture meant to supporters, with the dressing-room message combining an instruction to enjoy the occasion with a reminder to maintain their usual approach.

“No, it was, of course, we knew that it will be a special game. And I think the message was, ‘Okay, it will be a special moment for everyone, but we have to do the same thing we do in Premier League.’ And of course, the big message was to enjoy this moment because, like I said, it was really special.”

Le Fée confirmed that he had enjoyed it, before explaining why the opportunity to make history with Sunderland meant so much. His answer returned to the supporters and the relationship that has developed since his arrival, with the midfielder drawing a connection between their persistence and the effort the players want to give them.

“Yeah, of course. Since I came here, I joined the club, the welcome I had was just amazing, and I think you can see like, on the pitch, every player are really fighting for for the fans, first of all, because they are really special.

“They never give up, so we try to do the same, and yeah, of course, they will they will stay in my heart like forever, and I hope me also.”

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