Régis Le Bris embraces underdog tag as Sunderland launch new Premier League season | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris says Sunderland are content as underdogs as they begin their second season back in the Premier League at Ipswich on Saturday.

According to Sunderland Echo, pundits and bookmakers have widely predicted a struggle despite last season’s seventh place and Europa League qualification. The extra European fixtures will undoubtedly be a challenge, and Thomas Meunier is the only summer addition so far.

Le Bris argued it suits Sunderland to go under the radar and noted they have repeatedly upset forecasts since he arrived from Lorient two years ago. He recalled they were tipped for mid-table two seasons ago yet won promotion at Wembley, and last term many had them down by December before safety came in March and Europe followed.

He said he enjoys being written off, stressing an underdog and beginners’ mentality strengthens belief in the project and foundations. Staying true to their principles, he added, can keep them competitive anywhere and anytime.

Le Bris underlined identity and four pillars, togetherness, consistent hard work, intensity and flexibility in the game model, as the basis. When they drift from that, he warned, the Premier League punishes, citing Burnley away, the first away game last season, plus West Ham away and Forest at home as reminders. The group, he said, showed enough to be competitive.

For the trip to Portman Road, Simon Adingra is the only absentee. Le Bris said he trusts his players to defy predictions again if they stick to those standards.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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