Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris faces Roberto De Zerbi in a competitive fixture for the first time on Sunday
From everything Régis Le Bris said at his very first press conference as Sunderland boss, there is perhaps one sentence that has been quoted the most.
"We won't play like Guardiola or De Zerbi, because we are Sunderland and I am Régis Le Bris," he said.
Le Bris had been asked who his main coaching influences were, and cited the pair for the clear identity they are able to instil on their teams. On Sunday, Le Bris faces De Zerbi in a competitive fixture for the first time as he takes the reins at Spurs.
Le Bris's point that day was that though his admiration for that duo was sky high, he would do things at Sunderland a little differently. The head coach was already beginning to understand what he wanted his Sunderland team to look like, one that reflected the fanbase and the city.
"In general, I like managers, coaches with a clear identity," Le Bris said, revisiting that quote ahead of Sunday's game.
"Is it with the ball or without the ball? So I like when someone is able to implement clear ideas, which helps the performance of the squad, but also the expression of the players. It's always a combination.
"So Roberto De Zerbi, you can see a team, even if you didn't know the jersey you can identify that this is a team of Roberto De Zerbi. Maybe Francesco Farioli is the same, some of those coaches, they are really aligned. Is it my style? Not always, but I can find ideas to challenge our game model, to progress, to improve some of our ideas."
Le Bris himself has proved to be a pragmatist above all else, perhaps the defining tactical feature of his Sunderland side being their willingness to defend together as a team and to work tirelessly out of possession. The head coach has spoken previously about wanting to add layers to the team in attack but this remains the fundamental requirement, just as it was on day one.
"I think it's important to be connected with the identity of the club, the fan base, the history, and if your ideas are consistent I think everyone can share the main project," Le Bris said.
"So it's important to define the pillars, I think it was done here, it was really clear, and then how, as a coach, you can connect those pillars with your game model, and to develop them across different events during the season. So my style of play is, I think, balanced. I like defending, I like attacking, I like scoring goals, I like protecting my goal. The togetherness is key, and we want to be balanced and to create the best opportunities to give the freedom and the platform for the players, so they can grow, they can learn, they can improve their level, sometimes to leave the club, maybe, but it's for them."
Sunderland don't look much like a De Zerbi or a Guardiola team, and to that end Le Bris has been as good as his word. So far, it's worked out pretty well.
Sunderland injury news ahead of Spurs clash
Le Bris will welcome goalkeeper Robin Roefs back to the squad for the visit of Spurs, though Dan Ballard remains sidelined.
“For the players, we have Jocelin Ta Bi, Romaine Mundle, Bertrand Traoré and Simon Moore sidelined for this game,” Le Bris said.
“For Ballard and Nilson, they are close to returning back but it will be a bit short for Tottenham. For the rest of the group, they are available.”
Le Bris also confirmed that Nordi Mukiele, Enzo Le Fée and Reinildo are in contention to start after returning to the squad at St James’ Park before the recent break.
“They are all ready to start,” Le Bris said.
“They’re ready physically to compete in the Premier League.”
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