Sunderland are living a dream right now. Nine games into the Premier League season, the newly promoted club sit fourth in the table with 17 points. It is the best start by a promoted team since Hull City in 2008-09. But manager Regis Le Bris is keeping everyone grounded. His message stays simple: reach 40 points and secure safety first. European football can wait.
The Frenchman arrived in the summer with little fanfare. He had just been relegated with Lorient in Ligue 1. Many supporters were unsure. But results and performances have changed the mood entirely at the Stadium of Light. A comeback win at Chelsea has only added to the belief.
A coach who fits Sunderland’s identity
Le Bris is humble, calm and fully invested in improving young players. He has a background in sports science and spent years developing talent at Rennes and Lorient. People inside the club say he is happiest on the training pitch or studying games on his laptop.
That focus has helped blend a squad full of new signings. Sunderland spent £161m in the summer — a record for a promoted club — and nine of the starters at Stamford Bridge were fresh arrivals. Yet the togetherness stands out. Fans feel connected again. Former England captain Steph Houghton says supporters are “in dreamworld”.
From doubts to belief
Le Bris is also the first French manager in the Premier League since Patrick Vieira at Crystal Palace. Only four promoted bosses have earned more points in their opening nine matches. Analysts still tipped Sunderland for relegation before the season started. Now, former defender Nedum Onuoha believes they are strong enough to stay up comfortably.
The target remains 40 points. But the journey so far has already changed the expectations on Wearside.
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