How will Sunderland cope without Reinildo during AFCON?
Sunderland are back in Premier League action when they face Manchester City
The Black Cats face Pep Guardiola’s side just days after drawing 1-1 with Liverpool at Anfield, a result which has further underlined their belief that they can get points on the road even from the toughest of assignments. The Sunderland head coach says the team are excited about the challenge but are under no illusions as to just how dangerous the hosts will be.
"Another tough challenge, but an exciting one once again," Le Bris said.
"This league is like that. You don't have time to recover. Switch on and let's go again. Looking forward to playing this game. We are building our confidence through different experiences.
“Our knowledge, our collective knowledge as well is positive. But now Manchester City are probably one of the best teams in this league with the ball. So we know the pitch is big and we know that we'll face one of the toughest challenges this season. So let's recover properly, quickly and give our best."
Sunderland will be tasked with trying to manage striker Erling Haaland, who has scored a remarkable 33 goals across 24 appearances for club and country so far this season.
“We will have to try collectively [to stop him], I don't think it is possible individually,” Le Bris said.
“He did well against Fulham once again. When he has time and connection in the middle, they are really dangerous in that part of the pitch. We’ll prepare so that we are not too exposed in that area. It will be different but it’s still important to stay alert. We won’t have the choice, we know how strong Manchester City can be.”
Guardiola’s side had something of a scare in midweek when Fulham brought a 5-1 deficit back to 5-4 in the closing stages, though Le Bris was keen to stress his admiration for Fulham’s attacking play. It nevertheless showed that there can be opportunities against Guardiola’s side.
“As expected, Fulham have the impact offensively, they can score,” Le Bris said.
“When we played away against Fulham, we analysed this team and it was obvious that they have many offensive threats. It shows that Manchester City can concede goals and they have their own weaknesses. It's always like that.
“We will try to manage their strength and try to open the opportunities to score. So it will be balanced.”
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Le Bris unlikely to rest Xhaka and Sadiki for Man City test amid Newcastle suspension worry
Régis Le Bris has dropped a strong hint that he has no intention of resting Granit Xhaka or Noah Sadiki when Sunderland face Manchester City on Saturday.
The pair both sit on four yellow cards for the season, one away from an automatic one-game suspension. It’s a source of nerves for supporters as the Black Cats prepare for the Wear-Tyne derby against Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light next Sunday.
The duo have already come through a handful of games without picking up their fifth yellow and the Sunderland head coach looks set to back them to do so again. After a strong team performance at Anfield in which the Black Cats were good value for their 1-1 draw, Le Bris wants to have the best chance possible of landing another result.
“Today it shows that we can win points everywhere,” Le Bris said.
“So maybe it means that we'll have this opportunity against City. So we'll try to play with our best team, knowing that this [suspension] problem can appear. At the minute I think our players managed the situation properly.”
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