Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris insists his side need to be better in order to get a result against Fulham on Sunday.
"We want to bounce back" - Regis Le Bris previews Fulham clash
Regis Le Bris speaking to the media (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
Regis Le Bris spoke to the media ahead of Sunderland's Premier League clash with Fulham on Sunday afternoon, and was asked about what lessons can be learnt from last week's defeat to Ipswich coming into this game. He had a lot to say.
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A Stinging Assessment
Speaking on last Saturday's affair, Le Bris said:
"We dominated possession, Ipswich dominated the key moments.
"It's always difficult in that kind of game at the beginning of the season to find the right balance, and taking risks to try and disorganise the shape a bit and balance (of) the opponent and being ready to manage turnovers.
"We made a few mistakes and they punished us in transition. And on the other hand, we delivered 19 crosses, but only connected with two or three.
"We were not dangerous enough. It's a tough balance, we knew that before.
"We learn from the experience to move forward."
The numbers underline his point: 19 crosses with only two or three finding a teammate.
Bad Performances?
A reporter then went on to ask the Frenchman about his players not being up for the occasion.
However, the Black Cats' manager refused to throw any of his players under the bus, despite criticising the overall performance.
He said:
"Yes, we win as a team and we lose as a team, we don't want to blame any player.
"But it's obvious that we have a collective narrative from a tactical point of view, and we have individuals, so it's always a mix.
"We want to get better as a team, but also every player needs to improve."
Chasing A First Win
Le Bris prioritised the togetherness of the players, stressing the importance of a collective effort to improve standards at the club.
Sunderland will hope to claim their first win in the Premier League on Sunday, as the team makes the near 500 mile round trip to Craven Cottage.
Fulham emerged 1-3 victors in last season's fixture at the Stadium of Light
Fulham emerged 1-3 victors in last season's fixture at the Stadium of Light
Sunderland secure Europa League football with win over Chelsea (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Sunderland secure Europa League football with win over Chelsea (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Darren Bent and Kieran Richardson celebrating as Bent opens the scoring at Old Trafford in 2009 (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Darren Bent and Kieran Richardson celebrating as Bent opens the scoring at Old Trafford in 2009 (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Jules Ahoka in action for Royal Antwerp (Photo by KURT DESPLENTER / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images)
Jules Ahoka in action for Royal Antwerp (Photo by KURT DESPLENTER / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images)
Nilson Angulo taking the free kick that levelled Sunderland to 1-1 . (Photo by Richard Pelham via Getty Images)
Nilson Angulo taking the free kick that levelled Sunderland to 1-1 . (Photo by Richard Pelham via Getty Images)
Head coach Regis LE BRIS of Sunderland during the friendly match between Lens and Sunderland at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on August 8, 2026 in Lens, France. (Photo by Sandra Ruhaut/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Head coach Regis LE BRIS of Sunderland during the friendly match between Lens and Sunderland at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on August 8, 2026 in Lens, France. (Photo by Sandra Ruhaut/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Portman Road ahead of a pre-season clash with Rayo Vallecano (Photo by Keeran Marquis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Portman Road ahead of a pre-season clash with Rayo Vallecano (Photo by Keeran Marquis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)