'He's a good man' – Robin Roefs makes damning Sunderland admission and sends clear Régis Le Bris message
Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs has admitted the team has lost its identity but insists the players remain firmly behind Régis Le Bris
Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs has admitted the Black Cats have lost some of the qualities that made them so successful last season, while delivering a firm message of support for under-pressure head coach Régis Le Bris.
The Dutchman has acknowledged Sunderland's defensive struggles and lack of balance following a disastrous start to the Premier League campaign, with the club sitting bottom of the table after collecting just five points from their opening nine matches.
Le Bris has come under increasing scrutiny following a 3-1 defeat at Coventry City and Thursday evening's 2-0 Europa League loss against Dinamo Zagreb at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have conceded 17 goals in their opening nine Premier League fixtures and have won just once in the competition this season, a remarkable downturn after finishing seventh and securing European qualification last term.
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Speaking to the Premier League, Roefs admitted Sunderland must rediscover the qualities that made them such a difficult opponent during the previous campaign. "Last season, we were nasty, we were direct. We're too imbalanced and give away easy goals. We need to remember what we did last season and find the confidence in each other again."
The goalkeeper's assessment comes amid growing questions about Sunderland's tactical approach, with the Black Cats struggling to reproduce the defensive organisation and intensity that characterised their previous campaign. However, despite those concerns, Roefs has made it clear that Le Bris retains the support of his players. "If you see what Regis has done for this club from being in the Championship at a low point, to bringing us to the Premier League and qualifying for Europe, I think that's built so much credit for him."
Le Bris guided Sunderland to promotion through the Championship play-offs in May 2025 before overseeing an extraordinary first season back in the Premier League, which ended with European qualification. The Frenchman has retained the backing of Sunderland's hierarchy despite the club's difficult start to the new campaign, with the players also publicly expressing their support.
Roefs believes Le Bris' calm approach is particularly valuable during the current run of results and insists the dressing room remains united behind the head coach. "We're all behind him as players. He's a good man and manager to have in this moment because his emotions are balanced. He stands firmly behind us - he knows we can turn things around - and we stand firmly behind him too."
Sunderland face Chelsea at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon, looking for their first Premier League victory since August 30. The fixture offers a reminder of how dramatically fortunes have changed. Sunderland defeated Chelsea 2-1 on the final day of last season to secure Europa League football, but now find themselves fighting to climb off the bottom of the table.