We want to deliver the best version of Sunderland’ – Régis Le Bris
Le Bris Focused on the Present as Sunderland Chase Premier League Return
Since arriving on Wearside last summer, Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris has taken the club on a remarkable journey.
When the Frenchman replaced Michael Beale, few supporters knew much about him.
But less than a year later, with Sunderland just one win away from a return to the Premier League, Le Bris has firmly won over the fanbase.
Sunderland’s last top-flight promotion came in 2007 under Roy Keane.
They stayed up for a decade before a steep decline saw them relegated and even drop into League One — a turbulent period captured in the Netflix documentary Sunderland ’Til I Die.
Now, after years of rebuilding, Sunderland are on the verge of completing their long road back, with Saturday’s Championship Play-Off Final marking a defining moment.
While aware of the significance, Le Bris is keeping his focus on the task at hand.
“Our job is to stay sharp and fully present in the game,” he said. “We want to show the best version of Sunderland, and that means staying adaptable.
Thinking about what happens after the final whistle doesn’t help us prepare.”
He emphasized the importance of shutting out distractions and sticking to familiar routines: “It’s easy to get caught up in the occasion. To perform, we need to stay in our bubble.”
Promotion Goal Set From Day One
Le Bris revealed that the players made their ambitions clear from his first day.
“They told me straight away they wanted promotion,” he said. “It wasn’t a surprise — their belief was strong, and they’ve built that ambition over the season.
It’s a big leap from finishing 16th, but they were committed.”
Youthful Squad Ready for the Moment
Compared to their more experienced opponents Sheffield United — whose players have played in big games at Wembley — Sunderland’s squad is notably younger. But Le Bris doesn’t see that as a disadvantage.
“For me, age isn’t the deciding factor. You can be 17 and ready or 30 and unprepared. It’s about how connected you are to the moment,” he explained.
He praised the squad’s unity and mentality as key to their success: “They’ve shown maturity and togetherness.
Tactics and talent matter, but their emotional consistency and connection have been our biggest strengths.”
