Sunderland’s Le Bris under pressure as the club’s Premier League campaign falters, with the added burden of Europa League football threatening to derail their season. The Black Cats sit bottom of the table after nine games, with just one win and six defeats, a stark contrast to last season’s impressive seventh-place finish.
From Highs to Lows
Last season, Sunderland were the surprise package of the Premier League, doing the double over Chelsea and Newcastle and holding Arsenal and Manchester City at home. That form earned them a European spot for the first time in 53 years. But this time around, the story is very different. The team has struggled domestically, and questions are being asked about the long-term future of manager Regis Le Bris, despite the club’s hierarchy reportedly not considering his job in immediate danger.
Leadership Under Scrutiny
Captain Granit Xhaka questioned the team’s courage after last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at Coventry City, while defender Nordi Mukiele had earlier suggested the side had become arrogant. Xhaka, a former Arsenal midfielder, admitted he did not know what the problem was and called for positivity and courage. Former Arsenal full-back Carl Jenkinson described Xhaka’s comments as concerning, noting that the Swiss international seemed deflated. French football expert Julien Laurens added that key leaders like Xhaka and Mukiele are performing well below their usual levels, and that the manager is usually the first to pay the price.
Statistical Reality
The numbers behind Sunderland’s struggles are telling. Only relegated Burnley and Wolves had a lower Expected Goals difference last season, suggesting that repeating their success was always going to be difficult. This season, two of their seven league goals have come from the penalty spot, and they have finished with 10 men in three defeats. They have also failed to score a first-half goal in seven of their nine league games. Former Sunderland loanee Nedum Onuoha pointed out that five points from nine games with seven goals scored speaks for itself, especially when three of those goals came in one game against Manchester City.
The European Factor
Many observers believe the added demands of European football are a significant factor. Sunderland’s first European campaign since 1973 means at least eight Europa League games, and unlike their domestic form, they have started well in Europe, winning two and drawing one of their first three league phase matches. However, the Thursday-Sunday schedule leaves less time for training, and the distraction could be affecting players unfamiliar with European competition. Laurens noted that Europe is great for the fans, with trips to Milan to look forward to, but it could be a distraction for the players.
Le Bris's Response
Le Bris has described Sunderland’s situation as “growing pains” and insisted it is not unexpected. He acknowledged the demanding challenge of competing in the Premier League, Europa League, Carabao Cup, and FA Cup, but maintained that the team remains competitive and trusts in their level. Sunderland have lost two and drawn one of their three Premier League games after playing in Europe, and they could do with a win against Chelsea on Sunday to lift the mood before the international break.
What's Next?
With the club two points from safety, the pressure is mounting. Le Bris has credit in the bank for winning promotion and securing a European spot, and he has also guided the team to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. But how long will the hierarchy remain patient if results do not improve? For now, the focus is on the visit of Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday and then Chelsea on Sunday, as Sunderland look to turn their season around.
