Sunderland boss Regus Le Bris has delivered his verdict on his side’s defeat to Liverpool
Régis Le Bris said Sunderland felt Liverpool’s quality as their unbeaten home record came to an end on Wednesday night.
A Habib Diarra own goal from a corner proved the difference between the two teams on the night, but in truth Sunderland came out second best against a clearly improving Liverpool side. The Sunderland head coach felt the effort was there from his players, but that they had struggled to get their press right in the first half. He felt there was an improvement in the second, but a lack of quality in the final third as they chased the game late on.
“Yeah, they were good, mature, smart, agile, many good players, good experience,” Le Bris said.
“The first half was a bit tough because we didn't find the right position to be close, to duel them. We sat, we wasted a bit of energy during this part and with the ball it was obviously difficult, but we tried. It was a bit better during the second half, but they scored on set-pieces and small margins define this kind of game.”
Sunderland struggled to maintain their initial high press as Liverpool took control of the first half: “We tried, we were brave I think.
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join ourSAFC WhatsApp channel.
“They have this ability to go long and also keep the ball. Probably this part where we spoke during the half-time, that was really important when we locked on man-for-man to win this first contact and to be able to regain possession at the time. But it wasn't the case in the first half, it was probably better during the second half. You [then] take risks because it's a 3v3 supported by one or two players. We know that it's dangerous, but we have to be brave and it was a bit better. It was the story of the first half, it was a bit different than during the second.
“We felt the quality really clearly. They were composed. Even in the second balls, it was tight. They have this ability to combine, to secure the first touch and to combine in tight spaces, so they were good. When you are not really close to them, you can't regain possession - this was our speech during the half-time. If you fix this problem, you'll have another one to manage. We tried, even with the ball. I think we showed composure and bravery, but it wasn't enough. We had three or four opportunities, but probably we were not accurate enough. This last pass, the last touch and the final decision, today it wasn't so clean. It is what it is: I repeat, four days after Arsenal, we had to go again against a monster. We showed a great character, a great identity, but it wasn't enough.”
Continue Reading