Here’s everything you need to know about Pedro Ribeiro, Sunderland’s new right-hand man.

Pedro Ribeiro, 38, has joined Sunderland’s coaching staff as Regis Le Bris’ assistant. Sunderland have had a successful start to the Le Bris era at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats have reached new heights since appointing the former FC Lorient manager this summer. After nine games, they lead the Championship table with 19 points out of a possible 27.

What makes Le Bris’ start even more astounding is that he worked without his own backstage team. His coaching staff includes prominent members such as Mike Dodds, Stuart English, and Michael Proctor. The search for an assistant to Le Bris has been ongoing, but Sunderland has now finalized an appointment. Pedro Ribeiro has been appointed as the club’s new assistant head coach, as stated on the official website. But, who is Le Bris’ new right-hand man? Who is Pedro Ribeiro?

Sunderland fans can be forgiven for not having heard of Ribeiro before today. Despite his relatively youthful age as a coach, the 38-year-old brings a wealth of knowledge to the dugout. His playing career was brief, and he obtained his first coaching position at the age of 19. Ribeiro formerly worked as a youth coach at FC Tirsense and FC Vizela, as well as an assistant manager for the former before taking on the post of assistant manager for CD Feirense.

He would later work closely with Vitor Pereira, who hired him at Portuguese powerhouse Porto in 2011. Ribeiro continued to work with Pereira as an assistant manager at Olympiacos, Fenerbahce, and 1860 Munchen. Ribeiro returned to his hometown to manage Belenenses SAD’s U23s before taking over the club’s top team in 2019. Since then, he has solely worked as a manager, guiding Penafiel, Academico Viseu, and, most recently, second-tier club Leixoes.

Help for Le Bris. Le Bris has worked effectively with the coaches he took over at Sunderland and will continue to do so. However, having his own assistant who shares the club’s ideals and philosophy can only help him solidify his position on Wearside. Ribeiro’s extensive coaching experience will also provide new ideas for the Frenchman to bounce off and implement. It is believed that Ribeiro’s presence would help the Black Cats build on their promising start to this new chapter.