Le Bris: We Were in Control When We Made Mistakes
Saturday, 22nd Aug 2026 21:42
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris rued his side making mistakes which led to the Blues’ goals during their opening-day defeat at Portman Road.
The Black Cats, last year’s Premier League surprise package, finishing seventh and qualifying for the Europa League, were the architects of their own downfall.
Luke O’Nien’s sloppy pass led to Emersonn’s first-half opener, following excellent work from Julio Enciso, then, in the final scheduled minute, substitute Omar Alderete, who had replaced the hapless O’Nien, who had been booked for hauling Enciso back after another error, found Sasa Lukic with a loose ball, the Serbian international feeding in Jack Clarke to score the winner against his old club.
“Disappointed, first of all, because for the opening day we wanted a good result,” Le Bris said.
“I think overall the performance was not so bad, we were in a situation with the ball dominating the possession and trying to create chances.
“On our mistakes, we conceded two transitions, two goals. So it’s a shame because it’s always difficult to break a well-organised block.
“At the minute we were not clinical enough to create chances, score goals and they made the most of the opportunities.
“I think we were in control when we made those mistakes, it’s a bit different if you are overwhelmed by the pressure and, OK, it’s not easy, but it wasn’t the case for those two mistakes.”
He added: “We will learn from the experience, once again. I repeat, it’s not easy to break an opponent well-organised with this game plan to try to regain the possession and try to exploit the spaces in front of you. But it was the problem of the afternoon and we didn’t solve it.
“The beginning of the second half was open for both teams and I repeat, it’s not easy to create this composure, this calm with the ball early in the season.
“It’s a challenge and last season at times we struggled when we had the ball, so still have room for improvement. Today, it was relentless and the experience is not easy to accept, but it is what it is.”
_Photo: TWTD_