Sunderland ended a memorable campaign with a 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday
Régis Le Bris says the togetherness in the Sunderland squad was the reason they were able to confound pre-season expectations and prove all those who predicted they would be relegated straight back to the Championship wrong.
Sunderland were the pick of many pundits to finish in the bottom three after coming up through the play-offs last season, while their seventh-place finish in the Premier League also confounded many who point to their poor performance data in the early months of the season as likely to lead to a significant dip in form at some stage. It should be said that Sunderland's data has improved of late and particularly in attack, but Le Bris says his team are the perfect example that mentality and culture is the most important indicator of success.
The Sunderland head coach said the club had used their underdog status to their advantage and said it was important not to change that attitude going into next season.
"Our underdog mentality is important, the players stayed humble," Le Bris said.
"It's another point about the data and predictions. You can't assess the connection between the players, you can't assess the human relationship inside the group. This group was absolutely outstanding. It's good [that we don't get the attention of other clubs], let's stay under the radar. I think it's the best position and I think we'll stay like this."
Le Bris: Dressing room was ambitious all season but humility was key
While many predicted a difficult campaign for Sunderland, Le Bris says the dressing room were always optimistic about their chances of performing well this campaign.
However, he stressed that understanding the challenges of the Premier League and not underestimating any opponent had been vital and that the players know they can't afford any complacency as they look to build on their success this season.
"We are growing quickly, but in football it's hard to anticipate something [like what we've achieved]," he said.
"We generated momentum, the players were so well connected and demanding with each other as well which is really important. We have great leaders in the group, young lads with the willingness to learn. So just enjoy the moment because in football you can go one way or the other way. At the minute, everything is really well aligned so let's keep going.
"Early in the season, it was obvious that it could have been hard but I didn't feel it in the dressing room at any time. It was clear that they were humble but ambitious and it's going to be the same we know that, I repeat, it could be one way or the other way. It's always fragile but if you work hard and we have talented players, anything can happen."
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