Régis Le Bris explains Sunderland dressing room reaction to reaching 40 points - and what's next

Régis Le Bris says his Sunderland players are determined to finish the Premier League campaign on a high having reached 40 points at Leeds United last week.

Sunderland are back in action at the Stadium of Light on Saturday when they face Brighton, with their top-tier status for next season now all but secured. The game, and those that follow between now and the end of May, have taken on an added importance given that the club is now longer in the FA Cup following the shock 1-0 defeat to Port Vale on Sunday.

While a crucial part of his external messaging as Sunderland made an unexpectedly strong start to life back in the top tier, Le Bris says the dressing room did not focus on the 40-point mark internally and remain determined to see just what they can achieve through the final nine games of the campaign.

"The lads were tired at Leeds because it was intense," Le Bris said.

"But winning there meant a lot. The way we played, with intensity, we pressed high, our mid press was excellent. We made it really difficult for them. The mood was positive after getting to 40 points, but now we want to go further, this isn't the finishing line.

"We were proud to win at Leeds - it's like a symbol for us because last season we lost that game and it was probably the end of expectations for automatic promotion. This year we anticipated a tough game but we were proactive and won, so it means a lot for the squad, even if it's a new squad with new players.

"This achievement was the first opportunity to reach 40 points, we got one point at Bournemouth then won the next one, but we don't want to stop. We have nine games, let's push and keep pushing to see how far we can go. The players are still ambitious. With the group, the most important idea is to get better. If we are a better team on the pitch we'll keep winning games. It's normal to accept tough moments, but the lads have always reacted well. Now they want to push. The last nine games will be exciting. It's a totally different part of the season with different motivations. It will be interesting."

As for the prospect of European football, Le Bris made clear it was not being discussed as Sunderland focus on improving their game: "Not yet [been discussed internally], no."

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Luke O’Nien: We have to move forward from Port Vale defeat

“In the dressing room there it's a little bit of everything [after a defeat like that],” O’Nien said.

“With any game of football there's disappointment when you lose, even if it's training or five-a-side. You use that to move forward and get better, and that's what we've got to do. We spent four years in this league so know exactly what it's like - the opposition doesn't give you anything and we're really disappointed. You look across the FA Cup with the Premier League teams, there haven't been many settled by more than one goal. We'll pick it apart but I don't want to say too much at the moment, I want to give credit to the opposition. It's their day today and I wish them all the best.”

Your next Sunderland read: The early Sunderland and Brighton team and injury news with Régis Le Bris hopeful of key returnees