Le Bris will next season be the first manager to lead Sunderland in European competition for over 50 years

Florent Ghisolfi believes Régis Le Bris has proven to be an 'incredible fit' at Sunderland as the head coach prepares for this third campaign at the helm.

Le Bris will be the first manager since Steve Bruce to lead the club into a third season, having won promotion in his first and then sealed a remarkable seventh-placed finish last time out. His position was the subject of some surprise speculation earlier this year, though that was quickly dismissed by club sources as the Frenchman went on to secure a place in the Europa League.

Sunderland's director of football says Le Bris's selfless approach to management and happiness working under the radar have made a strong cultural fit for what the club are building behind the scenes.

"The key word is aligned," Ghisolfi said.

"So our strength is alignment from the ownership, CEO, sporting director and manager. I'm speaking about Régis, so first is the leadership alignment. We have the same view, one voice, one direction and this is important. But also, I think he's a fit with Sunderland because he's someone who doesn't need to be in the limelight.

"I think the values Régis has are completely aligned with Sunderland, so this is a very good thing. This personality and these values make him an incredible fit.

"He is a top manager, but I want also to say that I believe in the strength of the organisation and Régis has an incredible staff with him - together they are doing very well," Ghisolfi added.

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"This is what we want to protect and reinforce. He deserves this recognition from the people here because I can tell you he is working very hard, thinking always about the squad and club as a collective. The first thing is to put Sunderland first before everything [and Régis does this]."

Le Bris signed a new contract on Wearside following the club's promotion last season that currently has another two years to run. He was nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Year award, though Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was eventually named the winner.

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