Can Sunderland maintain their strong start? What the data tells us
Sunderland are stepping up their preparations for the January transfer window
Régis Le Bris says Sunderland are looking to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window but has warned that they must ensure they don't disrupt the positive mood in the current squad.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus spoke during an interview on Monday Night Football about trying to build on a strong start to the campaign, and Le Bris echoed those thoughts in his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal's visit. He stressed that Sunderland's squad does not need major surgery, however, and that signing the right characters is vital given the spirit currently in the dressing room.
He also noted that outgoings could be equally important over the course of the month, with Sunderland eager to make sure that players who need regular game time get the right loan moves.
“If it is possible to improve the squad, that will be good," Le Bris said.
"We have a new window where we can challenge the balance of the team. Maybe for some players, it will be interesting to leave on loan to get some minutes. Then if we can find one or two targets to reinforce the squad, then great. But we must find not only the right quality, but also someone who can be connected with the whole project. That is vital for us.
“We don’t have to make big changes, and that shows that we worked well in the transfer window before," Le Bris said.
"Well done for that part, but stay aware and stay alert. Sometimes, if you add something, it is not always more, it can sometimes be less. Getting the balance right is key – it will be very important for us in January.”
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What Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said about the January transfer window this week
Speaking to Sky Sports, Louis-Dreyfus admitted that the Black Cats’ approach in the January transfer window could be influenced by their positive start to the Premier League campaign.
Regis Le Bris’ men have taken 17 points from their opening nine matches, and could move up to second in the table with a win over Everton on Monday evening following a stellar run of form in recent weeks.
Before the contest at the Stadium of Light, however, Louis-Dreyfus made an appearance on Sky Sports’ coverage of the match, and after an impressive summer recruitment drive, was quizzed on his plans for the winter window too.
“I would say definitely a little bit [that the great start could affect Sunderland’s approach in January] because obviously if we're in the bottom three by Christmas or we're in the top six by Christmas that changes the ambition a little bit," he said.
"We're currently preparing for all scenarios but we've been doing that since the summer, so hopefully we'll be going into the January window with a top ten finish in mind and we will prepare and execute the transfer window to give us the best chance.”
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