Régis Le Bris targets all-round Sunderland improvements to avoid second-season syndrome | OneFootball

Sunderland are accelerating plans for a pivotal summer window, with Régis Le Bris urging improvements across the club to guard against second-season syndrome. According to Sunderland Echo, the head coach wants progress on and off the pitch.

Top-flight safety is not yet mathematical after a heavy defeat at Nottingham Forest, though Sunderland are highly likely to stay up and remain in the hunt for a top-half finish with four matches left.

While relegation odds tend to fall in a second season, the risk can still be significant, as seen with Leeds United and Sheffield United. Director of football Florent Ghisolfi has spoken of adding quality while maintaining stability, with groundwork already in motion.

Le Bris said the squad, club and coaching staff all need to raise standards, and he plans to refine his game model and team management over the summer. He also noted that the level of competition cannot be predicted.

He credited Ghisolfi with overhauling recruitment after arriving late last window, saying a structure has been built over 10 months and aligned with training and match needs. A scouts network meets every two or three months, including a second or third session this week. He expects a smoother process, but sees the market as unpredictable.

Source: Sunderland Echo