Sunderland AFC is exceeding expectations this season, currently positioned fourth in the Premier League after nine matches. Manager Regis Le Bris maintains a grounded perspective, emphasizing that the immediate goal is to secure 40 points, ensuring safety in the league rather than entertaining notions of European football.
The newly promoted side entered the 2025-26 campaign with many predicting relegation, with Opta’s Supercomputer placing them at the bottom of the table. Yet, after nine games, Sunderland has accumulated 17 points—its best start since the 2008-09 season when Hull City achieved 20 points at this stage. Following their latest match, a 2-1 comeback victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Le Bris remarked, “The emotions in the club so far are excellent, it’s impressive. We’ve found this togetherness not only across the squad but also across the club with the fans as well.”
Le Bris, appointed in June 2024, initially sparked mixed reactions among supporters. His hiring came after a protracted search for a permanent replacement for Michael Beale, and many felt underwhelmed by the choice of a coach who had just been relegated from Ligue 1 with Lorient. However, Sunderland’s recent successes have shifted that sentiment to one of pride among fans.
“The fans love him,” remarked Nick Barnes, a commentator for BBC Radio Newcastle. “The results win them over, but they also appreciate that he is a genuinely nice guy. He smiles, cracks jokes, and is very patient.”
Le Bris brings a unique background to his role, holding a doctorate in sports physiology and biomechanics. Initially surprised by the fanfare when he visited Roker seafront early in his tenure, he has since adjusted his public outings, opting for more discreet visits to places like Newcastle. Nevertheless, he thrives at the Academy of Light, where his focus on youth development and coaching shines through.
“Regis is a bit shy, but he’s very personable and has a wry sense of humour,” Barnes noted. “He is incredibly focused, often seen immersed in his work. He jokingly refers to being at his happiest in front of his laptop, watching matches.” Le Bris’s journey into coaching began at the age of 27 with Wasquehal, where he quickly acquired his coaching badges and returned to Rennes to lead youth teams. He achieved notable success, winning the French equivalent of the Youth Cup and the U18 Championship before advancing to Lorient.
His tenure at Lorient began promisingly in 2022, where he led the team to second place early in the season before finishing tenth. The club achieved significant victories, including against top teams such as Lyon and Paris St-Germain. However, the following season ended in relegation, leading to his departure in June 2024.
Recognizing his potential, Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus sought Le Bris to guide a young and talented squad. Despite his lack of experience in English football, Le Bris’s expertise and coaching philosophy aligned perfectly with Sunderland’s aspirations. French football expert Julien Laurens commented, “Regis Le Bris is a pure coach. He focuses on training and transmitting his ideas. He loves coaching young players and excels at helping them improve.”
Le Bris’s connection to his Breton roots played a role in his decision to move to the north-east of England. “Sunderland was perfect for him,” Laurens explained. “He could only have gone to a club with such a strong sense of identity and community.”
As the first French manager in the Premier League since Patrick Vieira left Crystal Palace in March 2023, Le Bris is making his mark. Among newly promoted managers, only four have achieved more points than Le Bris’s current tally after nine games.
Former player Nedum Onuoha expressed confidence in Sunderland’s potential to remain in the Premier League, stating, “Many said they were favorites for relegation, but based on their signings, they have a belief that anything is possible this season.”
Sunderland’s impressive start is underscored by their record spending of £161 million on 15 new players, with nine making up the starting XI against Chelsea. Former England captain Steph Houghton praised Le Bris’s ability to integrate these signings quickly, saying, “A big shoutout to the manager for making the team hard to beat.”
As Sunderland fans revel in their current position, the focus remains on achieving that critical 40-point milestone, a target that Le Bris insists will remain at the forefront of their ambitions. With a strong sense of community and identity, Sunderland continues to dream as they navigate their return to the Premier League.
