Le Bris calls for Sunderland consistency as league struggles continue

Regis Le Bris has called on his Sunderland players to show more consistency as they manage both domestic and European campaigns.

The Black Cats are currently ninth in the league phase of the Europa League after an unbeaten start in the competition, and host Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday night with the chance to keep pace with the teams above them.

However, their second season in the Premier League has started poorly, with Le Bris’ side languishing in last place with just five points from nine games. Alongside their European campaign, Sunderland have also progressed to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, when they will face off against fellow strugglers Crystal Palace.

The 51-year-old has described the additional challenges his team has faced so far this campaign, as they struggle to translate their European form in domestic success.

“I would describe it as growing pains,” Le Bris said. “Is it unexpected? I would say no. We are experiencing probably the most demanding challenge Sunderland has faced in its history. Four comps. We earned it last season, and we are pleased to be in this position, but playing every three days is a lot more demanding than one a week.

“We’re a new group. One year together, when you don’t set the standards like against Coventry, you can’t win. I think we are still competitive, but repeating performances is a new challenge.

“It’s demanding. It’s really positive to experience this situation, because until you face it, you don’t know how you have to evolve, so it’s new for me as well. When we prepare for game, after game, after game, you can miss the opportunity to review, so we are evolving in our setups, which is really positive.”