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‘We protected our players’ – Regis Le Bris not expecting Sunderland punishment
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris sees no issue with the brawl that erupted following his team’s victory over Luton. The match at Kenilworth Road was intense, with Luton trying to assert their physical style but ultimately falling short as Sunderland secured a 2-1 win.
Frustration flared after the final whistle when Luton players directed their anger toward Black Cats defender Chris Mepham, prompting a melee that saw Luke O’Nien leap into the fray. Some believe the FA may investigate the incident, but Le Bris does not anticipate any repercussions, calling it a natural emotional reaction. “I don’t think we need to be punished; everyone calmed down shortly after,” he said, adding that such emotions are part of the game.
Le Bris appreciated the British atmosphere and the competitive nature of the match, noting the importance of winning for the team and its fans. The victory solidified Sunderland’s position at the top of the Championship, extending their lead to three points ahead of their upcoming match against Oxford.
He expressed some concern about the predictability of wingers Mundle and Roberts, who both prefer cutting inside. Le Bris acknowledged the challenges of breaking through a low block and emphasized the need for better understanding among players regarding when to deliver crosses. “We need time to adjust our patterns for more predictability,” he explained.
With limited options on the wings due to injuries, Le Bris is considering various strategies, including potentially shifting Wilson Isidor to a wider role or starting Aaron Connolly or Eliezer Mayenda when he returns from injury.
After the win over Luton, Le Bris described himself as “proud but tired.” He highlighted the team’s resilience and maturity in a game where they might have struggled in the past. “We started well but needed to adjust our approach,” he said. “The team spirit was strong, and the fans were behind us, which made a difference.”
Defender Chris Mepham played a crucial role in countering Luton’s physicality, a performance Le Bris praised for its tactical savvy and aggression. “Chris was ready for this battle, and we needed that from everyone,” he noted.
