Florent Ghisolfi outlines José Fonte's role on Régis Le Bris's Sunderland staff | OneFootball

Sunderland have confirmed José Fonte will join Régis Le Bris's first-team coaching staff this summer. According to Sunderland Echo, the former Southampton and Lille defender starts on 20 July.

He arrives shortly after the pre-season opener at York City and before the club's tour to the USA.

Director of football Florent Ghisolfi said Fonte's top-level experience will benefit the squad this season, with Sunderland competing in Europe for the first time in over 50 years. He added that his leadership will complement the current staff.

He also expects Fonte to bring energy to a backroom team already performing outstandingly under Le Bris, and said the club are delighted to welcome him as they look to push forward in the Premier League and in Europe.

Sunderland have been seeking to bolster the coaching group after the departures of Pedro Ribeiro and Luciano Vulcano over the past 12 months. As it stands, Fonte will work alongside long-serving coaches Michael Proctor and Alessandro Barcherini, goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler, Chief Analyst Isidre Ramón Madir and set-piece coach James Brayne.

Source: Sunderland Echo