Regis Le Bris believes firm foundations are being laid for consistency beyond this campaign.
Sunderland showed their comfort in the top flight once more when they defeated Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at the Stadium of Light last Sunday. Their tally of 46 points puts them in contention for the continental competitions, but the head coach has no intention of allowing complacency to set in.
‘It’s about daily ambition’
His men must prepare to travel to the Midlands for a clash against Aston Villa. The Villans have been closing in on domestic and European targets, and they will be a tough test for the promoted side. But a 1-1 draw back in September should give the group confidence that they can compete at Villa Park.
“[High effort in training] is key for performance and challenging for everyone. It shows standards are high and results are a consequence of this. We need to stay consistent. We want to learn. We want to keep our identity of togetherness. We don’t know what we can achieve so it’s about daily ambition.
“Once again, this week, I felt that the energy is growing in training which is positive. After that, the challenge is big, but we will try to fix it.
"It's a dynamic first choice of 11. We have spoken to the players around this. It is an important topic. The purpose of the club is to grow and if you want to do this you need depth which means competition in the positions. It is about our future. This competition allows us to push ourselves.
Approaching Villa Park with underdog mentality
"40 points is an in-reach target but probably the highest points [possible], maybe less but if you want to set the highest standards 40 points is fair.
“We have a positive energy in the team at the minute. We’re approaching this next game with an underdog mentality because of their collective and individual quality. They are smart and adaptive as a team but also, they have gamechangers. It’s a big challenge and it’s an exciting one. In this league, teams play in Europe most weeks. Aston Villa are consistent, well-organised, well-coached.
“Unai Emery* is doing a great job. They are consistent in winning and losing which is important because it’s about the way you manage and lead the club.”*