'Still believe': Régis Le Bris delivers verdict on Europa League defeat and mounting pressure at Sunderland

Régis Le Bris says he still believes he can turn Sunderland's form around after their 2-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb.

The Black Cats had managed to sustain a decent run of form in the Europa League and the Carabao Cup despite their Premier League struggles so far this season, but their showing against Dinamo Zagreb was one of the worst of the campaign so far. Sunderland were 2-0 down at half time and despite a brief revival after half time in which Le Bris made four changes, the visitors were comfortable in holding on to their lead in the latter stages.

"It's uncomfortable, that's clear," Le Bris said after the game.

"We don't like it. It's not unusual in the Premier League. Last year, for example, many clubs, even big clubs, experienced a run without winning for 10 games. It's important to stick together, to keep going until the right moment. Because in football, it's a question of momentum, dynamic, and I believe that we can shift it.

"I still believe it's possible [to turn it around]," he added.

"If you had told me two years ago that we would be promoted at the end of the year at Wembley, I'm not sure I could have believed this idea. And seventh in the league last year, it's the same. We always go with the same pillars. It's about working hard, it's about consistency, it's about creativity as well. If you don't find a solution one way, support them and stay consistent. If it doesn't work, look for another way. I think we have different options in this team. I hope it's going to be the case on Sunday [against Chelsea]."

Le Bris said his side had struggled to overcome their poor form in the first half and praised Dinamo Zagreb for a good team display, but admitted Sunderland had fallen short.

"This was probably a bit too heavy for our young lads," he said.

"They are a good team, we faced a good opponent this evening. And if you combine the momentum of the squad right now and those young lads, it was probably a bit too high. So I won't blame them because they need experience. This was a tough one, but an important one for the future. I think the second half was a bit different with the core of the squad, five changes after 70 minutes. We showed energy, quality at times. Didn't score, created many chances, but it's what it is in this period.

"We don't find at the minute the solution to just shift the momentum and we have to keep going, we have no choice."

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