Thomas Meunier reveals intriguing details of crucial Régis Le Bris talks before Sunderland transfer
Thomas Meunier has revealed how key hour-long talks with Régis Le Bris helped seal his new Sunderland transfer
Thomas Meunier has revealed how an hour-long conversation with Régis Le Bris helped convince him to join Sunderland during the summer transfer window.
The Belgium international completed a free transfer from Lille in July and signed a two-year contract at the Stadium of Light. Meunier became Sunderland’s first arrival of the summer after returning from the World Cup. The 35-year-old had previously worked under leading coaches during spells with Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and Lille, but said Le Bris’ direct involvement in the recruitment process was a new experience for him.
Speaking in an interview with The Athletic, Meunier said Sunderland’s head coach wanted to discuss his tactical ideas fully and establish whether the experienced defender would suit his approach. We had a call for more than an hour,” Meunier said of Le Bris. “It was the first time I had a call with the trainer explaining what he wants, asking me how I see the game, if I had watched a few Sunderland games.
“It was really interesting. Most of the time, the technical director is the one deciding – at Dortmund, Michael Zorc was deciding everything; at Paris, a bit the same. This was the first time I saw a trainer involved in the transfer process. I’m not a kid anymore, and I think I understand football, so it was positive to have someone speaking to me like that, asking if I understand how he wants the team to play. He took the time to explain his vision. I liked that.”
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Meunier’s account offers an insight into Le Bris’ role in Sunderland’s transfer work and the importance placed on recruiting players who understand his tactical model. The right-back brought considerable experience to Wearside after playing in Belgium, France, Germany and Turkey.
He had also collected 83 senior caps for Belgium and made more than 75 appearances across the Champions League and Europa League before joining Sunderland. Meunier has since been used on the right side of Le Bris’ defence, adding further competition and depth alongside Trai Hume. His arrival also supplied extra leadership to a relatively young Sunderland squad.