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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