Before Sunderland’s trip to Preston North End on Wednesday night, Paul Heckingbottom wanted to highlight the fine work of Black Cats manager Regis Le Bris. When Sunderland transferred star man and top scorer Jack Clarke to Ipswich Town in the summer, few expected the Wearsiders to be at the top of the Championship table by the beginning of November.
So, after winning nine of their 13 matches, it’s safe to conclude Kyril Louis-Dreyfus was justified in bringing Le Bris to Sunderland, with the chairman praising his fellow Frenchman’s exceptional communication skills and attention to detail. Le Bris has not only helped the Black Cats move on from Clarke, with Romaine Mundle’s form helping to offset his £15 million exit, but he has also established a tactical setup that is far more sustainable than prior seasons. While Sunderland had previously relied on Clarke’s game-changing abilities, Le Bris’ Sunderland are a side capable of opening up their opponents from practically any position on the pitch.
Paul Heckingbottom praises Regis Le Bris’ impact at Sunderland. “They won’t change, in terms of how they’ve been preparing and performing,” Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire. “There are one or two tiny differences they make based on how the opposition sets up, which we will anticipate. “In terms of style and attitude to the game, they are an attack-oriented team. [Le Bris’ Sunderland] have a lot of the ball, rotate when they attack, and the full-backs get involved. Wingers are tall and wide.
“Then, they have got a good, youthful energy when they try and defend as well.”So, there’s a reason they’re up there, and they’re unlikely to alter much. We’re looking forward to a great game.” Sunderland’s post-Clarke succession planning has been made much easier by Mundle’s performances in the left-wing position, which the former talisman has now claimed. Mundle scored an incredible goal as Sunderland overcame Luton Town at Kenilworth Road yesterday. Clarke would have been proud of his fourth-place performance this season.
Romaine Mundle has taken over in Jack Clarke’s absence. “Mundle’s done well, yes. He has still had great attacking moments,” says the former Barnsley, Leeds, and Sheffield United manager. “Listen, they were reliant on Jack Clarke – he did fantastic for them in terms of goals, assists and threats.”But I think they’re better balanced today, especially without the ball. I believe their team is well-balanced, with threats coming from both sides.
“It’s not as if they’re very reliant on one player, which would mean the opponent prepares to deal with a single threat. Their superior balance without the ball has been reflected in the goals against, which is why they are up there on merit, scoring a lot of goals and keeping a lot of clean sheets.And a very obvious manner they want to play.” While a win for Sunderland would lift them four points clear of Sheffield United, Preston must also win to avoid relegation. Le Bris has announced that Alan Browne would start in lieu of suspended Jobe Bellingham. And Heckingbottom is excited to welcome a Preston favourite back to Deepdale in Sunderland colors.
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