Sunderland could book a spot in European competition next season if they beat Chelsea and other results go their way

Régis Le Bris says Sunderland will embrace the challenge of European football if they are able to secure their place with a win against Chelsea on final day.

The Black Cats remain the outsiders in the race for a place in the UEFA Conference League or Europa League next season, knowing that they need three points and either Brentford to fail to beat Liverpool or Brighton to lose at home to Manchester United.

It's nevertheless a distinct possibility that Sunderland can end their superb debut campaign back in the top tier by securing a place in European competition for the first time in over 50 years. While it will pose some challenges to the club and there has been some debate on Wearside as to whether it would potentially be coming a little bit too soon for the club, Le Bris says they want to seize the moment.

"Absolutely [will embrace qualifying for Europe]," Le Bris said.

"If it's possible, we'll seize it for sure. We only have one life! So when it's on, we'll play it and we'll see.

"I didn't set a specific limit after reaching 40 points, but we spoke about the vision of the club in the future. I think the owner and the head of football, Flo, are completely aligned. They want to be consistent in the top 10 in the Premier League so if we can build this kind of club, anything can happen [after that].

"This year, for example, we are around the 10th position. With one more win, it's possible to go into Europe so this is the objective. The average to play the 10th position is about 52 points, so we'll be around there this season. With 54, maybe it's possible to play in Europe. We spoke about this topic with the players, so maybe it's still in their mind and they are ambitious."

Equally, Le Bris is clear that failing to secure a place in Europe will not detract from what has bee a very successful season for the club.

"At the minute we have 51 points and an opportunity to get three more points to reach 54, which is impressive for a first season back in the Premier League after eight years away," he said.

"We played good football, we respected the identity, we grew, we learned and we improved. We struggled at times as well, which is normal in that league, yes we'll have an opportunity to get three more points. If the planets align elsewhere, maybe something exceptional can happen. But it's not fully in our hands."

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Why Le Bris believes Sunderland are well placed for recruitment drive regardless of Europe

Le Bris also believes that Sunderland have shown players they are an attractive destination for next season, whether that be for new recruits or players already in the building, regardless of whether they qualify for Europe.

"I'm not sure that [European football] would be decisive, to be fair, because the Premier League is so demanding," Le Bris said.

"After this first season in the Premier League, I think the club will have huge respect and good foundations to convince. We had this conversation with many players before the season for the recruitment process. We are playing in the Premier League in Europe, playing against Manchester United, even if they didn't play in Europe this season. Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal twice, Tottenham and so on. We are playing in Europe because we are playing the best teams in the world."

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