The Sunderland head coach has issued his verdict on Kristjaan Speakman’s surprise departure
Régis Le Bris has thanked Kristjaan Speakman for his contribution to his success as Sunderland head coach.
The sporting director’s departure was announced in a statement on Friday morning, with the club confirming that Florent Ghisolfi would lead the club’s sporting programme following his arrival in the summer. Le Bris said Speakman had been an important part of his adaption to English football and said his record at the club deserved ‘huge respect’.
‘I share the words of the owner,” Le Bris said.
“Kristjaan was a huge contributor to the club development from League One to Premier League, now, that deserves huge respect.
“Personally he was really important for me, especially at the beginning for my integration: new language, new league, new players, new club. He helped me a lot. That's part of professional life. We had two windows working together, the first in the summer and the second in the winter.
“But on a daily basis, when you start in a new country, language is really key. It's not a direct translation. You have culture and nuances and he helped me a lot for that part, as a coach and with the connection with the players.”
Ghisolfi will continue to lead the club’s recruitment operation having worked closely with Le Bris over the summer as the squad was overhauled in preparation for the Premier League.
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Sunderland’s statement on Kristjaan Speakman’s departure
Sunderland AFC today confirms that Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman has left the Club with immediate effect.
Kristjaan was a key figure during one of the most significant periods in the Club’s recent history, playing an important role in bringing Sunderland back to the Premier League.
Appointed in December 2020, he led a comprehensive rebuild of the Club’s football operations, reshaping its recruitment and performance infrastructure and restoring competitive momentum.
His time on Wearside included three victories at Wembley Stadium, including Sunderland’s first win at the national stadium since 1973 and two Play-Off Final wins.
With Premier League status restored and a strengthened football leadership structure in place, the Board of Directors has made the decision to continue the Club’s journey without Kristjaan.
Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi will continue to lead Sunderland’s sporting programme after assuming control of all football operations in July 2025.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said: “Kristjaan has made an important contribution to Sunderland AFC during a period of significant transition and growth, helping to rebuild the Club and restore its place in the Premier League. Strong foundations have been established throughout our football operations over the past five years, and that phase of redevelopment is now complete. As we look to the future, our focus is on building from that position of strength with clarity of direction and sustained progress. We are grateful for Kristjaan’s commitment and professionalism and wish him every success for the future.”
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