Régis Le Bris signals Sunderland likely to stick with last season’s core for Ipswich opener | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris expects Sunderland's Premier League opener at Ipswich Town to feature a side close to the one that finished last season strongly, according to Sunderland Echo.

The Black Cats took eight points from their last four games to claim seventh place and Europa League football. Le Bris has stressed the plan to keep the core while targeting further signings before the window shuts.

Speaking on the US tour, he said places remain up for grabs, yet those who ended the campaign hold the shirts if they sustain those levels through pre-season, which so far they have.

Sunderland have recruited experienced right back Thomas Meunier, and remain keen to add high-calibre options on the right wing and at left back, factors that could influence selections in the coming weeks.

Despite losing both matches on tour to date, the head coach is encouraged by the squad’s progress and believes familiarity and stability have them well ahead of this stage a year ago.

He says knowledge within the group is now far higher, producing quicker, more automatic combinations, though refinement against specific opposition is still required.

Sunderland finish their US schedule against Wrexham on Sunday, with Le Bris set to rotate by using different XIs in each half to spread minutes across the squad.

Source: Sunderland Echo