Phil Smith and Nick Barnes discuss their favourite Sunderland goal of 2025
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris is pleased with his team’s progress after their 0-0 draw with Man City
Régis Le Bris said his Sunderland players showed how quickly they are learning after holding Manchester City to a 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats played well against Pep Guardiola's side through the first half in particular, creating some good chances and largely limiting the visitors. Le Bris had opted against playing a flat back five as he has done on some occasions this season, with Trai Hume and Eliezer Mayenda both playing in more advanced positions than initially expected.
Sunderland had lost 3-0 to Man City at the start of December and Le Bris said this spirited performance was a reflection of their progress already this season.
"One more good point against one of the best teams in Europe," Le Bris said.
"With many threats, they can score from everywhere, from different phases. I think we defended well. We were bold to press high, a bit more consistent in the midblock, I think. In the defensive third, we were consistent.
“It was like a hybrid system. We used this system at Liverpool once. I thought it was a good option today, because if you drop too early in your back five, you can't face, over the full game, their ability to manage the ball and create chances. I think it went well. With the ball, I think we showed many good things as well.
"We struggled when we played away against City to escape their counter-press, they were impressive. They were good again today, but I think we were better this time. I think this point helped us to manage the ball and to breathe, because it's important to have the ball. We created chances as well. Our low build-up was good, especially during the first half.
"I think we are learning and I think from the first game against this team to the second one, we showed that we adjusted many things and I think it shows that those players are ready to learn and to change different things to be more competitive, which is really positive."
Le Bris praised his squad for stepping in and maintaining the level of performance despite having a large number of senior players absent due to suspension and AFCON commitments.
"I told you before the AFCON that we don't have to set a limit before because I think we have many good players," Le Bris said.
"Obviously, they have to learn, they have to show their quality on the pitch. But what we see every day on the training pitch, they have good profiles and if you give them the structure, the confidence, great leaders, I think they can play well. For example, Dennis, Eli today were good."
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
Régis Le Bris issues Brian Brobbey injury update
Le Bris also said that he did not think Brian Brobbey had suffered a serious injury despite coming off just before the hour mark.
Brobbey headed straight down the tunnel and Le Bris confirmed that it was a precautionary decision: "He was feeling tight but I don't think at the moment that it is anything serious."
Continue Reading