Emmanuel Petit details Sunderland ‘revolution’, from boardroom to dressing room
Regis Le Bris was a largely underwhelming appointment for Sunderland supporters when he arrived in the North East.
The Frenchman was named Black Cats boss in the summer of 2024, with little known about his managerial ability.
However, after just a short time in the Premier League, his captain, Granit Xhaka, has already compared him to Arsene Wenger.
Now, former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has shared why Le Bris has been a success on Wearside.
French connection key to Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland success
Sunderland were well-suited to the Premier League despite starting the campaign as overwhelming underdogs.
In the Championship, Le Bris implemented a counterattacking style of play, which worked for the majority of the season.
Under the ownership of Swiss-French owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, there was a clear strategy to target players, as well as the manager, from France.
Indeed, that continued this summer, with Habib Diarra and Nordi Mukiele arriving at the Stadium of Light from Ligue 1.
Furthermore, fan favourite Enzo Le Fee, who described Le Bris as a father figure, completed a permanent switch to Wearside.
- Le Bris has won 25 games from 55 for Sunderland
- He averages 1.62 points per game
- The former Lorient manager has accumulated 89 points on Wearside
Now, former France international Petit has shared why his nationality has been key to his success while speaking on talkSPORT.
“Since he came to the club, I think they get promoted, and it was probably the best start of his career after a couple of weeks last season,” Petit said on 1 September.
“So, he did a very good job the first season with Lorient in France, and he was about to move, I think at the end of the first season, and then he was staying with the club against his will.
“And this season, Lorient was relegated, and things turned differently, and it was a big turning point.
“Since he came last season to England, I think he did a great job, and you have to understand as well the relationship inside the club because there is a French spine from the top of the club to the dressing room, so it looks like a French revolution actually in Sunderland.”
Read more: Brian Brobbey finally pictured in Sunderland shirt after deadline day transfer
Regis Le Bris appointment was Kyril Louis-Dreyfus masterstroke
Given where the Black Cats were when Le Bris arrived at Sunderland, his appointment must be regarded as a genius decision.
Not many would have predicted the North East club to get promoted and then have the summer they have just enjoyed, but here we are.
An unnamed Premier League club wanted Le Bris in the summer, and that is testament to the job he has done on Wearside.
The Frenchman is a meticulous operator and dedicates substantial time to preparing his side for every single encounter.
Sunderland rewarded Le Bris with a new contract this summer, and they will only be too aware that other clubs could come sniffing.
Indeed, if he continues in the same vein, then he will go down as one of the Black Cats’ greatest managers of modern times.
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