Régis Le Bris issues major Sunderland injury updates and delivers emotional verdict on Leeds United win
Sunderland produced an impressive performance to beat Leeds United at Elland Road
Régis Le Bris spoke of his pride in his Sunderland players after they overcame a lengthy injury list to beat Leeds United and reach 40 points in the Premier League.
The Black Cats had to absorb a huge amount of pressure throughout the contest to come out on top, scoring a second-half goal through a Habib Diarra penalty with one of their rare foray forwards. Sunderland then had to come through 12 minutes of stoppage time to preserve the clean sheet and take the three points, a significant win for Le Bris and his players after they twice conceded late at the same ground to lose last season.
“I had this feeling just at the end,” Le Bris said.
“Yes, at the end of the pre-game presentation I told the players, if we win here it means a lot. We had this memory from last season, I knew that it was a tough place in the Championship, it's a tough place in the Premier League. With their intensity, they had a good run and they are a good team with a strong crowd, strong energy. This place, if we win here, it means a lot about the character, the intensity and the togetherness of the squad. And we did it, so well done.”
Le Bris praised his team for their efforts and particular his two centre backs in Omar Alderete and Dan Ballard, who were immense in the closing stages.
“I'm really proud, happy for the lads, happy for the staff, the club and the fans because this win away at Leeds means a lot because it was a question of energy and togetherness,” Le Bris said.
“I think we defended really well - first half was brilliant pressing wise, it was really well done.
“They went long often, it was important to win the first contact, second balls and so on. We were not brilliant with the ball, I think we still have room for improvement but it is what it is. It was really intense, a game without oxygen, it's more or less this idea. In a game like that, you always have one or two opportunities and the question is to seize it and it was the case so well done.
“Omar and Ballard were impressive - they are back to their best level,” he added.
“We had a tough period around the festive period and it was obvious that we were a bit tired but after that I think now they have a good energy and we definitely need strong centre-backs for throw-ins, for direct play. Calvert-Lewin is brilliant in the air so if you are not strong and ready to fight with technique but also a great mindset, you can't exist at that level.”
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Le Bris said after the game that he expected to be without Robin Roefs for around two or three weeks, after the goalkeeper was ruled out in the build up with a hamstring injury sustained in the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.
“It's not clear at the minute [exactly how long he’ll be out for] because it will be symptoms-based,” Le Bris said of Roefs.
The major concern for Sunderland is that Bertrand Traoré may have suffered a recurrence of his knee injury, with the winger forced off just minutes after his introduction in the second half: “It might be [a recurrence], yes, unfortunately.”
Le Bris also confirmed that Jocelin Ta Bi has had surgery on an ankle issue, which will potentially bring an early end to his campaign: “Jocelin has had surgery, he will be out for 10 to 12 weeks.”
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