Régis Le Bris outlines José Fonte’s role and impact in Sunderland coaching team | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Régis Le Bris believes José Fonte’s European know-how and recent playing career will add a different dimension to Sunderland’s coaching team.

Fonte started work on Monday after ending his playing days at the end of last season. The former Southampton and Portugal defender featured at major tournaments and in numerous European campaigns.

Le Bris was satisfied with the staff structure through the final months of the 2026/27 campaign, when Sunderland surged to Europa League qualification. He expects Fonte to complement, not disrupt, what worked.

He said the set-up has shifted over the last two seasons and that striking the right balance takes time. He enjoyed the final four or five months and hopes Fonte’s standards and European knowledge can enhance the operation without disturbing workflow.

Fonte will link up with Michael Proctor and Alessandro Barcherini, plus James Brayne on set pieces, Isidre Ramón Madir as chief analyst and Neil Cutler overseeing goalkeepers.

Florent Ghisolfi said Fonte arrives with top-level experience and energy, and that the club believes his leadership will add value as they push forward in the Premier League and in Europe, welcoming him to Sunderland.

Source: Sunderland Echo