Sunderland have started the new Premier League season in superb form.

For all of the signings they have made in recent times, and for all of the headlines they have generated since they made their much-anticipated return to the Premier League, it is hard to shake the feeling that Sunderland’s most important arrival of late remains Regis Le Bris.

The Frenchman was, of course, the mastermind behind the Black Cats’ improbable promotion via the Championship play-offs last term, and has continued to apply the same methodical approach and pensive pragmatism that served him so well in the second tier since making the step up to the top flight.

Whether it be an unfancied heist away at Chelsea, or a fearless late draw against Arsenal in which his side went toe-to-toe with the de facto champions elect, Le Bris has continued to find ways to shock, upset, and ultimately, grind out results.

But maybe the most impressive aspect of Sunderland’s recent resurgence has been the belief and commitment to a cause that evidently courses through the head coach’s project on Wearside. No team in the Premier League has earned more points from losing positions than the Black Cats this term, and at the time of writing, they have also scored stoppage time strikes against West Ham, Brentford, Wolves, Chelsea, and Arsenal - with three of those goals directly affecting the outcome of the contest.

And to that end, it is not just Le Bris’ tactical nous, but also his man-management skills that must be lauded - as reflected in comments made by one of his former players, Aiyegun Tosin.

The Benin international played under the Sunderland boss during his time at FC Lorient, and speaking to Get Football News France, the winger was quick to hail his former coach for the psychological impact he had on him.

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What did FC Lorient winger Aiyegun Tosin say about Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris?

Looking back on their shared stint at Lorient, Tosin said: “Le Bris is a very good coach. He gave me more confidence, and I tried to do everything he wanted. Le Bris is one of the best, one of the best. He wanted me to come to Lorient. So for me, he is still one of the best. I got injured in that season, but I’m a professional, I believed in myself, and I hope everything turns out like I want.”

When asked if he was surprised by how well Le Bris and Sunderland were performing this season, he added: “Like I said, he’s one of the best coaches, and I’m very happy for him, and I hope that he will continue winning matches in the Premier League.”

It is, of course, still very early days, but you would have to assume that if Sunderland keep on producing the level of performance that they have in recent weeks, then they will continue to pick up points at an admirably decent rate. Most of that success, naturally, will be down to the implementation of Le Bris’ tactics, but if Tosin’s comments are anything to go by, a large part may also be a consequence of the spirit that he is able to engender in his camp.

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