'Frustrated' Regis Le Bris makes Sunderland vow as Stoke City test looms

Regis Le Bris has hailed the support of the fans as Sunderland prepare for two games in a row at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats first host Stoke City on Saturday, with a game on home soil to follow just three days later against 11th-placed Bristol City.

With nearly 3,000 Sunderland supporters in attendance at Bramall Lane last Friday, Le Bris highlighted the incredible support of the team.

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“They are impressive," said head coach Le Bris. “They are still behind us, even at the end of the [Sheffield United] game. We have to enjoy our support because they are very important for us.”

The Black Cats boss emphasised the need to repay the support, with his team looking to bounce back with a win on Saturday.

He said: “At the minute, we are not winning and I know it’s frustrating for them as well. We are frustrated but for the supporters, it’s important to have this enjoyment after a tough week.

“We want to deserve the support and I’m sure we’ll win again soon."

Fourth-placed Sunderland have been drawn at home to Stoke City in the FA Cup third. The two clubs play each other three times in a short space of time – firstly on Saturday in the Championship, then on December 29 again in the league, followed by the cup game on January 11.

Stoke, managed by Narcis Pelach, are 14th in the table after racking up 21 points from 18 matches.