Former Sunderland boss in strong contention to replace Marti Cifuentes at Leicester City
Regis Le Bris has been one of Sunderland’s best managers of the last decade, but one former boss who did not get anywhere close to that status could now return to management in England.
Sunderland are 11th in the Premier League, and it looks all but confirmed that they have secured another season in the top flight next season.
Sunderland fans have certainly been enjoying themselves, taking every opportunity to support their side, even during tough defeats, especially Sunderland’s 3-1 loss to West Ham.
Le Bris has done an excellent job so far, and there is an outside chance of getting European football.
It is a prospect that looked completely out of the question nine years ago under a different manager, who could be set to take over from Marti Cifuentes at Leicester City.
Chris Coleman’s odds slashed for Leicester City job
Chris Coleman could be looking at a return to English football, nine years on from being sacked by Sunderland.
The Welshman has not managed in the United Kingdom ever since, opting to take jobs abroad, but a new opportunity could be about to present itself.
The former Mackems boss was recently in charge of Greek side Asteras Tripolis but was let go following a poor run of results this season, making him a free agent in the managerial market.
Now, one leading bookmaker has Coleman as fourth favourite to take the Leicester City job.
The Foxes have recently sacked Cifuentes, who had the club in 14th place in the Championship. There is still plenty for them to play for this season, with the play-offs in reach within six points.
Russell Martin, out of work since being sacked by Rangers late last year, is the current frontrunner, followed by Gary Rowett and then Vito Pereira.
Chris Coleman was handed impossible task at Sunderland
Coleman had a tough hand dealt to him at Sunderland.
He was appointed manager in November 2017 with the Black Cats 22nd in the Championship. Additionally, he was not backed in the transfer window either, with the club not spending a single penny due to uncertainty over the ownership.
Instead, Coleman had to rely on free transfers and loan signings and was ultimately sacked when relegation to League One was confirmed.
| Chris Coleman Sunderland stats | Total |
| Games | 29 |
| Wins | 5 |
| Draws | 8 |
| Losses | 16 |
It feels harsh to solely put blame on him, especially when he joined the club amid uncertainty of the eventual takeover that season.
But unfortunately, the results and performances were not good enough.
Black Cats fans will want to forget that season, as they fell into the third tier for the first time since 1987-1988.
However, this season could make better memories. The present Sunderland side look to get into European competition for the first time since their 1973-74 run in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
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