Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris was left by Liverpool after they became the first team in the Premier League this season to win at the Stadium of Light
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Regis Le Bris, Manager of Sunderland, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Liverpool at Stadium of Light on February 11, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Regis Le Bris looks on prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Liverpool at Stadium of Light on February 11, 2026(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
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Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris admits his team felt Liverpool’s quality as they suffered their first home league defeat of the season. Virgil van Dijk struck the only goal after 61 minutes to earn the Reds a 1-0 Premier League victory at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday evening.
The visitors dominated the game and could have had more goals with Florian Wirtz hitting the post in the first half and both Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah off target after the break.
And Le Bris said: “We felt their quality quite clearly. They were composed even with second balls and when it was tight they have this ability to combine and secure the first touch and combine in tight spaces.
“They are good when you aren’t really close to them as you can’t gain possession.
“If you fix that problem then they just give you another one.”
Le Bris was impressed with the performance of Liverpool and added: “They were good, mature and smart.
“They are experienced, 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. It was a bit better in the second half but they scored from a set-piece and small margins define this kind of game.
“We tried, we were brave (with our pressing) but they have this ability to go long and keep the ball and probably this part we spoke during half-time it was really important when we locked on man-to-man to win the first contact, but it wasn’t the case.
“We take risks as it was three-v-three at the back and we knew they’d be dangerous.”
Le Bris added: “It has been a good sequence of home results this season. We want to win points, and the mentality of the squad has been excellent.
“We have to be resilient, and that is part of our journey in the Premier League against teams like this - we must keep going.
“We are learning fast, and we have to go through difficult experiences. Tonight’s experience will be useful for the future.”
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