Thomas Meunier details hour-long Régis Le Bris call that shaped Sunderland move | OneFootball

Thomas Meunier says an hour-long conversation with Régis Le Bris helped persuade him to join Sunderland in July, when the Belgium international arrived on a free from Lille and signed a two-year deal. He was the club’s first summer addition after returning from the World Cup.

"We had a call for more than an hour," Meunier said of Le Bris. "It was the first time I had a call with the trainer explaining what he wants, asking me how I see the game, if I had watched a few Sunderland games." He was speaking to The Athletic.

"It was really interesting. Most of the time, the technical director is the one deciding – at Dortmund, Michael Zorc was deciding everything; at Paris, a bit the same. This was the first time I saw a trainer involved in the transfer process. He took the time to explain his vision. I liked that."

The 35-year-old, who had spells with Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, contrasted that approach with his previous experiences. His account points to Le Bris prioritising recruits who grasp his tactical model.

The right-back has played in Belgium, France, Germany and Türkiye, has won 83 senior caps for Belgium and made more than 75 appearances across the Champions League and Europa League. At Sunderland he has featured on the right of Le Bris’ defence, increasing competition with Trai Hume and adding leadership to a young squad.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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