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Le Bris and Timur Tutierov on struggling Sunderland's europa league clash with Zagreb
04/11/2026
04/11/2026
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00:01Rajis, is this a welcome distraction or an opportunity for you to put right some of the wrongs of the
00:09weekend?
00:11It's not a distraction, to be fair, no. I'm happy to experience the Europa League, of course,
00:17and it helps the team, the squad to get better, so pure joy.
00:25Regarding the squad, you mentioned at the weekend that Habib had picked up another muscle injury, do you know now
00:33how serious that is?
00:34Yeah, probably around six weeks for the first diagnosis, so we are sad for him.
00:42At the same time, it gives us the opportunity to swap Habib with Shamsdine,
00:48so at that point, because of the restriction of the UFL list, it helps.
00:56Don, two things on that, I guess. First of all, Habib really, really frustrated on him,
01:01because it feels like it's been in and out, stopped him from building up any momentum and rhythm.
01:05Yeah, absolutely, and he worked hard to get back after the previous injury.
01:13We expected him, because he's important in our squad, so we have to understand exactly the injury, the why,
01:21and to prepare him for the next comeback.
01:26On the flip side, how big an opportunity is this for Shamsdine?
01:30Yeah, it's important, because we need every player. We don't have many injuries, but they are serious.
01:36Romain, Ballard and Habib now. But for the others, they want to play, and that's a really positive vibe we
01:46can feel on the pitch.
01:48And this morning we worked with the starting eleven, and the others want to show up, we want to play,
01:53we want to prove that we are a good team and we can bounce back.
02:01Regis, there's pretty strong words from Granit, from the captain on Saturday, saying that the players aren't taking in what
02:08you do in training into the matches right now.
02:10And I guess it's the second thing we've heard, sort of similar to that, because Nordi spoke out a few
02:15weeks earlier as well. How concerning is that?
02:19Well, we are talking about standards. Our game model is clear. We know what we want to do in different
02:26phases.
02:28And we struggled on our high press against Coventry. We wanted to go man for man, and we didn't face
02:39their mobility.
02:41Probably it was a bit unusual if we compare with the game we experienced before.
02:45And the lads, some of the lads stayed between two positions, and if one player, two players, three or four
02:54players are aligned on one idea, and half of the squad is not aligned, then you can't build momentum.
03:03Coventry were able to play long without pressure. They kept the ball between our lines, and the momentum was disrupted.
03:12So it was about this. We know what we want to do. When we are on the pitch, we are
03:17not aligned. We can't be efficient. This was the topic with Granit.
03:23But you're obviously not having that issue in Europe, because you've started off so well, seven points from nine. It's
03:30such an unusual position to be in, to be bottom of the Premier League table, but obviously flying high in
03:35Europe, and of course doing well in the League Cup as well. How do you explain that?
03:41Growing pains? Simple. Is it unexpected? I would say no. We are experiencing probably the most demanding challenge Sunderland has
03:56ever faced in this history.
03:59Premier League, Premier League, Europa League, quarter-final in Carabao Cup, FA Cup later, and we earned it last season,
04:08and we are pleased to be in this position.
04:10But playing every three days is much more demanding than preparing a game with one full week.
04:19So it's a new journey, not for everyone, because many of our players have explained this situation before, but it's
04:26still a new group, one year together.
04:29And when you don't set the standards properly, like it was the case against Coventry in one area, in one
04:36specific area, in the Premier League, it's the Champions League, more or less.
04:40Because every team is really strong, relentless, well prepared, and you can't win.
04:45So I think we are still competitive, we trust our team, our level, but repeating performances is different. This is
04:53the new step.
04:55Hi, Rajeshul. As Keith mentioned, you are unbeaten in Europe, but having some struggles, growing pains in the Premier League.
05:02Is that kind of an indication of the gap or the chasm between the Premier League and European football at
05:08the moment, in your estimation?
05:09Yeah, I think the gap is big. And it's positive for the Premier League. First of all, it shows the
05:18level and the difference between the bottom and the top of the league.
05:24It's not so big, and it's really tight. So for us, it means that every three days, you have to
05:37reset, you have to set the highest standards as possible. And it's a new journey.
05:42And in last summer's window, you kind of focused on more veteran kind of players. This time, outside of Thomas
05:48Meunier, you brought in a bit more younger profile players.
05:51Has that been a bit more difficult to integrate them, especially with language barriers and stuff like that?
05:56No, I don't think so. I think the integration of young players is really good. It's really good. Obviously, after
06:05one year, intense year last season, I think the core of the group was really well connected.
06:11So when you join this group, it's not so easy. But I think they feel welcome and they have to
06:19step up to show their qualities because they are talented.
06:24Rajiv, given Sunderland's Premier League troubles, in terms of your style and tactics, are you now tempted to change a
06:30little bit? And does the game on Thursday offer you an opportunity to do that?
06:36Consistency is key, but making decisions to evolve is also important. So we have those conversations with the leaders, with
06:46the coaching staff about what we need to improve to get better.
06:50That's obvious. Is it the shape? Is it the way we play, the way we build up, the way we
06:56press? It's important to stick to the identity because if we move from one side to the other side, you
07:03lose your strength.
07:05But at the same time, if you don't evolve, probably you don't adapt. So it's important to think about those
07:13topics. I agree.
07:14And just in terms of Dan Ballard, who you mentioned earlier, what's his recovery timeframe?
07:19I'm pleased because this morning it was on the bike, which is good. It shows that it's really close to
07:27run on the pitch. It's going to be next week, but the target is around mid-December to join the
07:35training sessions, if everything is okay.
07:37Okay. Hello, Regis. I'm Donna Deanna Pratic from RTR Croatia.
07:43Dynamo parted company with head coach Mario Kovacevic just before this game. So what do you think about timing for
07:51you? And also, what do you see about Dynamo's strengths, even though the rough time that you're also facing like
07:58it?
07:58Yeah, they're not so bad in the domestic league. They are a good team with a clear 4-3-3,
08:07well organized, really clean and interesting to analyze.
08:14When you change the coach just before a game, you never know what will happen, but we also observed two
08:22or three games with the reserve team, which was interesting.
08:26So in that moment, the most important focus is us. When you don't know how the opponent will evolve, you
08:33focus on your strength.
08:35And I think we have to show our identity once again to improve what we are. And it's probably the
08:42main focus.
08:44Also, did you see some strengths in Dynamo in some players?
08:49Absolutely. I think often we look at the attacking threat and it's clear that the 9, the 11, the rotation
09:01in midfield are really interesting.
09:03So for us, it's going to be key to manage those threats.
09:08Hi, Rajesh. You kind of mentioned it's the most challenging period in some of those history.
09:12From your perspective, yourself, how difficult is it to just sort of have in training to have a game every
09:18sort of three or four days?
09:20How does that in terms of getting your own message across?
09:23Yeah, it's demanding. And it's really positive to experience this situation because until you don't face it, you don't know
09:33what you have to create.
09:35How do you want? How do you have to evolve to manage the situation?
09:39So it's new for me as well. And it's new for the coaching staff. It's new for the club. It's
09:43new for this group.
09:46And when we prepare game and game and game, sometimes you can miss the opportunity to review, for example, the
09:54game.
09:54So we are evolving in our setups and it's really positive for the, I think, the methodology and the way
10:05we are growing together.
10:06Thank you, Rajesh.
10:09Hi, Rajesh. Just following on from that question a little bit. Just how much have you enjoyed the competition so
10:15far?
10:16You're kind of approaching the halfway mark. And I suppose, has it been what you've expected the Europa League this
10:20season,
10:20given sort of the relentless nature of all the games as well, playing into that?
10:25Yeah, I enjoy playing many games, to be fair. First of all, I enjoy it. It's different.
10:31The games with this first phase are more open, I think. And the teams play with freedom and they show
10:42their best version often, which is good.
10:45So it helps the full squad because we have different options to get more experience. And for example, Jules plays
10:57this competition.
10:58He plays game, game and game and it's the best way to improve.
11:03Timur, a month or so ago, if someone said you'd be playing Premier League, Europa League, League Cup, what would
11:10you have said to them?
11:12I probably would say not yet. But my dream obviously was to do that. And I had and have believed
11:23that I can play on the Premier League level.
11:26And obviously, it's happened earlier than I expect. And I was so excited about that. So happy. Not just me,
11:34my family, my friends. And yeah, just like this.
11:38And in terms of experience, you're getting plenty of that. The Premier League, clearly we know what the situation is
11:46there.
11:47League Cup, you're in the quarterfinals. Europa League, you've started well. How are you actually sort of managing to cope
11:54with all those different experiences?
11:58Obviously, we have a mentality and our mentality doesn't change in terms of we play for win. We have some
12:06unfortunate results, which is disappointing for us.
12:12But I think it's happened sometimes when you have this streak of unfortunate results. But we have to work hard
12:19and getting better in this.
12:22Because obviously, we can show good football and some of the games, it's just a proof that it's a bit
12:31of luck, a bit of work. And I think it will work out.
12:34Could I just ask, well, you're naturally, I think, a winger, aren't you? And you're now playing as a centre
12:39forward. How are you finding that transition?
12:44I actually, it was like most of my career that I play striker, I play winger. And I think my
12:53adaptation was quite good because I'm around great players, which can advise me.
12:58And it's easier to play with them and get integrated in the team. And I think it's what was the
13:04key for me to switch very quick from winger to striker.
13:07But I still can play winger if it needed.
13:13Timo, can you tell us just a little bit about your journey here at the club? You've been here for
13:18a few years now, but just how it's gone for you.
13:21And were you maybe beginning to think that it might not happen for you? Can you just give us a
13:25little bit of background?
13:29My belief in terms of it happened was every time. But it's changed from the Championship to the Premier League.
13:35But journey was hard because I came across lots of injuries during this period.
13:42And it was different injuries, which has stopped me to get my goal at that time because I started playing,
13:53I get injured.
13:55Then again, I started playing, I get injured and it's like delayed it.
13:59And in terms of the whole journey, why this belief was every time with me because of the people around
14:07here, you know, the coaching staff,
14:09which has been with me in the academy, they support me every time, they help me to learn.
14:17Because sometimes my behavior wasn't great at times, but they understand and they keep pushing me.
14:24And I think they are key of this success, if we can call that.
14:30What's wrong with your behavior?
14:35I wouldn't say I'm bad emotional, but you know, when you're young and you demand a lot, you have this
14:42huge maximalism?
14:44Yes? Is the right word?
14:46And you know, when you get injured and you start getting emotional and emotional,
14:52and they help me in terms of that get back and work towards the goal, don't get distracted.
14:56That's not bad behavior.
14:58Oh, okay.
14:59That's a good thing.
15:00Okay.
15:01Hello.
15:03Hello.
15:03What do you expect from the game tomorrow?
15:06You're doing good in Europe, but Dinamo is now coming here.
15:11What do you expect from the Zagreb team?
15:16I know from my personal memory that Dinamo was every time in the European competition,
15:24and I watched the game, and for me they are a good team.
15:28Because every time I'm fighting for the title in the league also.
15:32So, we're expecting a good game, and our preparation is like a proper preparation for this game.
15:41And I think they are a good team, and there will be a good game.
15:45Don?
15:46How much do you learn from Brian today?
15:49He's quite a unique player, isn't he, as a centre forward.
15:52How much have you learned from him?
15:55There is some things to learn from Brian, from Wilson, from everyone.
16:00But for me, it's very important to, I would say, keep my identity.
16:05Because I'm different to Brian.
16:09I cannot take the player and shoot them away.
16:13So, it's why I need to see if certain behaviors or skills from Brian I can use in my game.
16:22And in terms of that, Brian's positioning is great, and you can learn from it a lot.
16:29From Wilson, yes, I think we have more similarities with him in terms of running behind.
16:34Like, I learn a lot about his timings and things like that.
16:37Yes, so there's lots of things to learn.
16:39But for me, the main thing is to keep my identity as a player.
16:43It's been quite a kind of up-and-down start, I guess, with the following year of the Premier League.
16:48What's the mood like in the dressing room?
16:52We all know what we have to do.
16:56Because, obviously, it is disappointing results, and it's a start not how we expect.
17:03But there are so many games to play.
17:07And I do believe that we will bounce back because the attitude we show in our training sessions,
17:15the games we played, as I mentioned, show us that we can.
17:20And I hope that's going to happen soon.
17:23Great, thank you.
17:24Mathieu and James, please.
17:25Last season, you spent, obviously, a spell unknown with Exeter.
17:28How beneficial was that for your career?
17:30Because you'd spent a lot of that beforehand just with the under-21s.
17:33How was that spell with Exeter?
17:38You know, senior football is very different from academy football in terms of you have things to achieve.
17:46And last season, I've been relegated with Exeter and we fight for staying in the league.
17:54And this experience gave a lot because that's a different environment where you have to give all every training session.
18:03There is no training session where you say, okay, we can run around and do things we want to do.
18:13And it was like, you have to do, you have to do, you have to do.
18:16That's, for me, different between youth football and adult football.
18:21That's the thing which is you have to do in German.
18:25Did you spell it Exeter perhaps?
18:28Maybe change your mentality or realise what it takes to repeatedly play at the level like you are now in
18:34European football?
18:37Are you asking in terms of my mentality?
18:39Yeah, or do you just see the difference more what it is?
18:43My mentality doesn't change.
18:45I think I'm exactly the same person which has become wiser by years or this experience.
18:54But, yeah, it has definitely shown me because, you know, when I play in under-21s,
19:00we have lots of conversations with coaches about, you know, I can switch like this and straight away play to
19:06the men's football.
19:08Which was kind of in Exeter.
19:11But, again, I come in a team when they had a great momentum with winning and then it started changing.
19:19And, yeah, that's what I realised.
19:22I realised that, okay, I have to do the sort of things to be every time in the squad.
19:27Jay, how much does Sunderland as a place and as a football club maintain now given where you've come from
19:33and everything like that?
19:34A lot. It's my home.
19:37Because of the war in Ukraine at the moment, I left and I'm here right now and have my own
19:46house.
19:46I was with a host parent when I first came. She's like my English mum and I love her so
19:55much.
19:56So, everything, all the environment which I built around me, it just made me feel Sunderland as my home where
20:04I can be and where I can feel safe.
20:07And how important have the club been, sort of, people like Graham Mertz, who's now gone, but Matt Craddock as
20:12well, how important have those been to your team development?
20:15Oh, a lot, a lot, a lot. Graham Mertz is one of the, one of the, how to say, right,
20:25the part, the big part of my success because the knowledge which is he gave me of the football IQ
20:33is like a lot.
20:34I appreciate him a lot. We're back to behaviors when he, when he, he helped me to stick with my
20:42goal.
20:43And Matt, great coach also. Unfortunately, I don't work with him a lot, but it's what I know and from
20:53my experience, it's been a pleasure to work with him.
20:55Unfortunately, because you're not in the first teams.
20:58Yeah.
20:59Any more in the back?
21:02Just one of the kind of training that's been, it's such a kind of game, maybe sort of three or
21:08four days. How much do you enjoy that?
21:11I mean, I love playing football so much. And if it were possible, I would like to play a bit
21:17more often, but from the physical side, it's hard because you have to perform 100% every game.
21:22And recovery, take it longer because you cannot, like every two days back to 100%. And it's, it's hard. It's
21:34hard to produce, produce same energy every game. But I think it's also about adaptation because we never faced this
21:43schedule before.
21:43It's something new. And I think the minute we adapt it will be all good.
21:49Thank you, Jojo. Can I ask one more? Sorry, Timo, just something you were saying there, it was really nice
21:53there about your adaptation when you came over after the war in Ukraine.
21:57Was that, did you move here after the war started? When was that?
22:01No, after a year because war started and we left with my family. We live a little bit in Spain.
22:13Then football again started playing in Ukraine. We're back and I played for half a season and then I arrived
22:20to Sunderland.
22:21Yeah. But in terms of the war, it was, it's not, it's not nice experience to live in a war
22:31-time country. And I feel sorry to all Ukrainians who are over there because even when I've been there, you
22:38know, it's so hard when you don't have lights, you don't have water, you don't have sometimes food in the
22:45supermarket because of the logistic problems.
22:47And yeah, I appreciate Sunderland that I'm here and I feel sorry for all Ukrainians.
22:54Do you still have friends or obviously you speak to regularly?
22:58Yeah, yeah, I do. I do. My parents in Ukraine and some of them my friends in Europe.
23:07But again, as I mentioned, for example, when there is no lights and no, how you say, connection, no connection,
23:21there is hard to talk.
23:23Yeah.
23:23Yeah.
23:23Yeah.
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