It only took a season to Régis le Bris to write the story with Sunderland. Arrived last summer from Lorient, the French technician transformed the Black Cats into a machine to play and win, until obtaining the climb in the Premier League this Saturday, after a stunning playoff final against Sheffield United (2-1).
Fourth of Championship at the end of the regular season, the Breton coach team surprised all observers by its regularity and its ambition. In a dense championship, the Bris was able to impose his ideas, relying in particular on a daring youth and a game carried forward. The integration of Enzo Le Fée, which he had already launched in Lorient, and the explosion of Jobe Bellingham, Jude's little brother, were paid choices.
A climb at the last minute
In playoffs, Sunderland has shown remarkable mental strength. After eliminating Coventry in the semi-finals, the Black Cats showed an exceptional character in Wembley against Sheffield. Led at the score, they equalized thanks to Eliezer Maynda, before capsizing the stadium in stoppages of play thanks to a liberating goal of Tom Watson, 19. A victory acquired in pain, but also in collective control.
Symbol of this success: human management of Régis Le Bris. Still in control, the French managed to federate a young cloakroom around clear principles. His choice to bet on technical and young profiles like Eliezer Mayenda or Tom Watson, his ability to advance his players and keep the course in difficult times were the keys to the climb.
The breakage thus enters a very closed circle: that of the French coaches having conquered the Premier League in a single season. A consecration for this follower of the licked game, rewarded with a resounding success across the Channel. At 48, he was expected with curiosity and at the highest level of English football.
