Sunderland fans were rocked this week by rumours that Regis Le Bris could be sacked if the Black Cats do not achieve European football this season.
Le Bris opens up about Sunderland sack rumours
Le Bris has brushed aside claims he could lose his job at the end of a remarkable first season back in the Premier League if the club miss out on a place in European competition.
Reports this week suggested the club’s hierarchy could opt for a change of head coach this summer if the Frenchman fails to secure either Conference League or Europa League football for the 2026-27 campaign, something which would have been beyond their wildest dreams at the start of the year.
Asked if he had spoken to owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus or director of football Florent Ghisolfi about the speculation, Le Bris said: “No, we can speak about different subjects.
“My position is always on the table, whether it’s positive or negative. It’s not a problem for me. Here we are in a really good position and really well aligned. We wanted to be in the Premier League at the end of the season, which is done.
“We wanted to create consistency and a top 10 position, and we are on the way. I hope we have the ability to do it together.”
Le Bris is under contract at Sunderland until the summer of 2028, and is represented by the same agency as fellow French manager Patrick Vieira
Asked further if he was surprised by the claims, Le Bris, who revealed he had not sought assurances over his future, added: “No.
“Everyone can give an opinion about my job or your job. I’m not against rumours or gossip. I’m just focused on my job, it’s not a problem.”
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Several Premier League teams could be on the lookout for a new manager this summer, including Chelsea and Crystal Palace, so it would certainly be a surprise if the Wearsiders parted ways with the 50 year-old in such a competitive market, and Fabrizio Romano has now revealed what he knows on the situation.
Indeed, speaking on his personal YouTube channel on Friday, the reporter shared what should be music to the ears of Black Cats supporters – Le Bris is going nowhere.
“We had some rumours of Le Bris maybe losing his job at Sunderland if he doesn’t qualify for European football, my understanding is that Sunderland want to continue with Le Bris.
“Not based on what’s going to happen for this Premier League season, just focusing on the possibility to continue with Le Bris, so at the moment that’s the feeling.
“We will see at the end of the season but Sunderland confirmed they want to continue with Regis Le Bris.”
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Fact File |
Regis Le Bris |
|---|---|
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Full Name |
Régis Le Bris |
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Date of Birth |
6 December 1975 |
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Nationality |
French |
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Current Role |
Sunderland Head Coach |
|
Known For |
Developing young players |
|
Coaching Style |
Possession-based, structured, youth-focused |
|
Background |
Former educator with strong focus on player development |
|
Tactical Traits |
High pressing, positional play, adaptability |
Sunderland vs Nottingham Forest team news
Sunderland won 1-0 at the City Ground in September thanks to Omar Alderete’s goal, and will hope to have the Paraguay international back at 100 per cent after he was one of a series of players affected by illness in the run-up to Sunday’s 4-3 defeat at Aston Villa.
Nottingham Forest defender Murillo has been ruled out of Friday’s clash.
The Brazil centre-half limped out of Sunday’s 4-1 win over Burnley with an apparent hamstring injury and he will not be fit for the visit to the Stadium of Light.
Murillo joins Callum Hudson-Odoi in the treatment room, with the winger out for the season after undergoing surgery on a thigh problem.
