Régis Le Bris reveals Sunderland’s injury recovery process amidst squad versatility questions

Local TV

Daniel Wales reports from the Academy of Light as Régis Le Bris spoke about versatility in his squad, and how injured players stay connected when not training, ahead of the Black Cats’ welcoming Wolves to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Transcript

00:01Sunderland suffered their second defeat of the season before the international break,

00:05a 2-0 away loss at Old Trafford against Manchester United.

00:08It was the Black Cats' toughest match of the season so far

00:11and highlighted the challenges they will continue to face in the Premier League.

00:16In that game, Regis Labrice made a tactical change early in the match

00:19after his side had already conceded twice.

00:22This did stem the tide in a game that threatened to get away from Sunderland

00:26further than it did following that change.

00:28This adaptability is something Labrice has always seen as important

00:32whenever he has been asked about his tactics and his set-up.

00:36The change mentioned saw centre-back Dan Ballard replace winger Simon Odinger,

00:40which allowed for the system to be altered.

00:43However, further challenges may come if and when injuries strike,

00:47posing the question how will Sunderland adapt in the Premier League to such circumstances

00:51and how do those who are not involved stay connected with the process

00:56that Labrice and his staff are developing at the club?

01:00Yeah, it's tough because at that level managing different positions,

01:07different tactical demands is not easy.

01:15So we have probably three, four, five players able to do that

01:19and we have players who are really strong in their position,

01:23which is positive as well.

01:25So probably it's a question of experience and it's needed

01:28because we'll have different problems to solve

01:31and injuries, suspensions as well.

01:34So we are learning, but it's a question of time.

01:38So for those players who are perhaps able to fill in elsewhere

01:42and are more used to just play in their position,

01:44when they come into the side, do they know exactly what they're doing constantly?

01:48Are they well drilled?

01:49I think so.

01:51We are working hard on their connection when they are on the bench as well

01:57because I think it's important.

01:59When you start a game, you start with the story of the game.

02:06So you face a new challenge, a new opponent,

02:10and from the first minute until the 45, 60, 70, I don't know,

02:16you are on the same page.

02:18But when you come off the bench,

02:20you have to discover really quickly the setup of the game.

02:24So when you are on the bench, it's important to assess the opportunities,

02:29the challenges, the style of play and so on.

02:32So when you come on the bench, you are ready.

02:34And we try to implement these ideas and I think so far it worked well.

02:39Can you mention that those who are on the bench

02:41obviously stay connected with the rest of the side

02:43in terms of what they need to do.

02:44What about those who are injured?

02:45How do you maintain their connections with the team

02:47if they happen to work individually?

02:49Yeah, we try.

02:50For example, with Habib.

02:55He's still connected with our IDP program.

03:00So in that program, we try to keep him connected with the story of the journey of the squad

03:05so he can learn from the experiences of his teammates

03:12and be ready when he will be fit again.

03:18I think we have to stay really consistent through positive or negative results

03:25because we are a young squad and obviously we'll face tough challenges.

03:32I hope we won't lose too many games with three, four, five goals

03:39because it's possible in that league and we have to accept that challenge.

03:43So ups and downs are part of the process

03:48and resilience, consistency is absolutely needed.

03:54These questions come given slight concerns over the fitness of Noah Siddiqui

03:58and Omar Alderette, who were reported to have picked up knocks over the international break

04:04although Lebris did make clear that both should be OK.

04:09That was very revealing from Regis Lebris

04:11highlighting how players remain connected with the team

04:14even when they are either injured or not being selected in the starting XI.

04:19Lebris also admitted that some players in his squad

04:22are more able to be versatile and play out of position than others.

04:27Overall, it suggests that Lebris knows that Sunderland are still evolving

04:31and those with more experience will at times have to take on more responsibility this season

04:36as they try to stay in the top flight.

04:38Those who get injured will be able to stay connected with the team though

04:41and that is perhaps the most important matter.

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