Regis Le Bris shares clear Dan Neil plan as Granit Xhaka named Sunderland captain
Sunderland’s plan for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign is starting to come together.
Regis Le Bris has brought in 11 first-team signings so far this summer as they look to stay in the top-flight.
With Sunderland vs West Ham set to take place on Saturday, the manager is now making changes inside his dressing room.
Granit Xhaka has now been named Sunderland captain, with Dan Neil losing the armband despite leading the Black Cats to promotion.
However, Le Bris has a clear plan for the Englishman.
Regis Le Bris hopes Dan Neil can grow after losing captaincy
Neil was named the official Sunderland captain under Le Bris at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
Going into the new campaign, Neil has already impressed in pre-season, and was fantastic against Rayo Vallecano.
However, the Frenchman is going to have to make tough decisions if the Black Cats are to maintain their top-flight status, and this is no doubt one of them.
Speaking to Sunderland on 14 August in his press conference before the West Ham match, Le Bris shared his plan for Neil, hoping the midfielder can now continue to grow.
- Xhaka has been captain of several sides including Arsenal and Switzerland
- The midfielder is one of several marque signings from Sunderland this summer
He said: “I think it’s really natural because of his level as a footballer on the grass, and his experience, leadership, understanding of the game. After ten minutes on the pitch, everyone feels he will be our captain.
“For Dan, it’s an opportunity to grow. He’s still very young and has the potential to be a Premier League player, but you have to feel the gap between the levels. It’s an opportunity for him to grow.”
Le Bris also added: “We’ve had a lot. It’s a big shift. It’s the case for everyone to be challenged by a new journey. It’s a positive we have to have in our mind. Maybe you lose a position, but it could only be a week, a month… It’s the case for many players, not just Dan.”
Read more: Mayenda leads the line, seven debuts: Sunderland predicted XI vs West Ham
Neil will inevitably be Sunderland’s captain again in the future
While Neil may be disheartened by the news, it is the right choice from Le Bris.
Xhaka is an exceptional player, and led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title with the armband only two seasons ago.
| Granit Xhaka | Premier League stats |
| Appearances | 225 |
| Goals | 17 |
| Assists | 24 |
However, the Swiss international is getting on, with the midfielder set to turn 33 years old next month.
Therefore, this is no doubt an opportunity for Neil to learn from Xhaka, and when he inevitably leaves the Stadium of Light in the coming seasons, Neil should regain the armband with better experience.
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