‘Not a question’…Regis Le Bris comments from 2021 offer insight into key aspect he changed at Sunderland

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 21: Head Coach Regis Le Bris answers questions during a Sunderland AFC press conference on November 21, 2024 at the Academy of Light in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris’ comments whilst at FC Lorient truly mirror one key change he implemented on Wearside.

Ever since French boss Regis Le Bris took over on Wearside, there has been a continuation in the emphasis of prioritising the development of youngsters in the side, and with more success this season than ever before.

The likes of Chris Rigg and Tommy Watson have been introduced into the side with flying colours, whilst Anthony Patterson and Dan Neil continue to cement their places in the side, proving to be indispensable in the current Black Cats lineup.

The key reason the 49-year-old coach was introduced in the first place was due to his past involvement in youth coaching, and how that could benefit the young Sunderland side, and whilst opportunities continue to be handed to the younger players, there is one distinct difference between this season under Le Bris and previous campaigns.

Regis Le Bris unwilling to hand Sunderland youngsters opportunities on a silver platter after previous comments


Sunderland boss Le Bris has brought out the very best of some young stars, with his squad having an average age of 23.6.

However, it is clear that the Frenchman is not one to hand out opportunities here, there and everywhere as shown by how some top prospects, such as Milan Aleksic and Adil Aouchiche have been handed very little opportunity.

At first glance, it may seem strange that the Sunderland boss would be so reluctant to switch around his options, however, his approach certainly makes sense when reviewing his comments previously made back in January 2021.

Per Nosotros, Le Bris said in an in-depth interview that: “It is not a question of installing a counter-culture near the professional group where the playing time is “offered” with a low requirement both in terms of level of play and behaviour.”

Regis Le Bris comments could point towards potential January transfer departures

When looking at the players that have surprisingly been given less game time than originally expected, as stated above, Aouchiche and Aleksic certainly fall into that category, as well as attacker Abodullah Ba, who is yet to notch a single minute of Championship action this season.

All three of these names will certainly be uncertain where their future on Wearside will take them, with all of which clearly not being a key part of Le Bris’ fans, and considering the fact that they’re unlikely to be ‘offered’ opportunities on a silver platter, they should be looking elsewhere in January.

Loan moves would certainly benefit the likes of Apuchiche and Aleksic in January in order to bolster their development, rather than continuing to sit on the bench with absolutely no guarantee of game time.

Whether Le Bris’ bold approach is right or wrong, it is clear that some won’t have a short-term future in the side, and as a result that could see departures come thick-and-fast in January.

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