Regis Le Bris reveals Sunderland key focus ahead of huge Millwall test

Regis Le Bris reckons that being efficient, having patterns and structure are the key elements to Sunderland's successful start to the season.

The Black Cats head coach has led his team to the top of the Championship but three successive draws have allowed the chasing pack to close in.

Ahead of the clash in east London against Millwall this weekend, Le Bris will keep the fundamentals he holds dear in place despite it being a different team given suspensions to Jobe Bellingham, Patrick Roberts and Trai Hume.

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“The efficiencies are key,” he said. “Always key. I always like, for example, our defenders can stop the shot. It is like they are ready to cope with this part of the game.

“The opposite [at the other end of the pitch], as a coach, we are always about creativity, so we need patterns, we need structure but we also need the ability to create, to take risks, and to accept we can lose the ball and we will be able to face the counter-attack.”

He added: “For me it’s a question of foundations and then finding the right balance about patterns and about instructions. Then you can create a balance. The balance is good so far and we will see for the next games.”

Having different goalscorers helps and he added: “It’s difficult for the opponents when you can score from the wingers, the striker or number eight for example, because we can become unpredictable.

“When they realise the striker is the main threat you put your strength there to neutralise this threat so when you have many people who can score goals I think it’s more difficult for the opponent.”

Meanwhile, former Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley has been impressed so far with how Le Bris’ side have performed.

Speaking to OLBG he said: “Sunderland’s start to the season has been great to watch with some great football on display. I hadn’t seen much of the manager before he came in and losing Jack Clarke in the summer was difficult, but they have reacted really well.

“They have some promising young players there and they play a really nice style of football. Credit to him, they’re enjoying the wave and riding high at the top.

“Hopefully they can continue that and get over the line and get back in the promised land of the Premier League, where they belong.”