With the euphoria of last month’s Tyne-Wear derby win over Newcastle United having sustained Sunderland’s players and supporters throughout the international break, there was a risk that yesterday’s game against Spurs could have had something of an ‘After the Lord Mayor’s show’ feel.
Instead, it was Tottenham’s players who seemed devoid of passion and purpose, a damning indictment given their position in the bottom three, while their opponents at the Stadium of Light summoned the kind of intensity and aggression that has been hallmark all season.
That delighted Le Bris, and means he is optimistic about what still might be possible in the remaining six games of the campaign.
“How would we react? It was a question for everyone - the journalists, the fans, the staff - but the week was good, really good,” said the Sunderland boss. “The players worked really hard.
“We felt that they were ambitious because it's about daily standards, it's not about just words, we want to achieve this or that, it's about what you are doing every day.
“After three weeks, it's still a bit unpredictable, and we were playing against unknown opponents, with a new coach and different ideas. But, overall, I think the energy was really positive, which is a good sign for the future.”
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Sunderland’s victory, which came courtesy of Nordi Mukiele’s deflected second-half strike has lifted them to within a point of seventh-placed Brentford and strengthened hopes of European qualification.
As has been the case all season, Le Bris refused to address the question of Europe head on, but the Black Cats was keen to talk up the importance of his side’s remaining six games.
Finishing the season strongly is a key priority, whatever that means in terms of a final league position, with Le Bris stressing that preparations for next season are already under way.
“Three weeks ago, we won at Newcastle,” he said. “You could drop a bit after that because it’s the end of the season, but what we have felt this week and during this game is a good sign for the future.
“I think we will prepare for next season now. The way we play, the way you are ambitious, the way you want to improve and show your quality on the pitch is so important.”