ISIDOR OUT WIDE?

Last night's match saw Sunderland begin in an unfamiliar 4-4-2 formation, but at half time Wilson Isidor moved to the left wing to faciliate a switch to 4-3-3. Regis Le Bris has spoken about Isidor's versatility and the plan for the forward in our Premier League campaign. With less than a week left until the transfer window closes, RLB also spoke about the need to trim the fat in this overcrowded squad and discussed any potential last-minute incomings.

HUDDERSFIELD DEFEAT

“Yeah, a bit disappointed, because we always want to win and it wasn't the case at the end. The main purpose of the evening was to win and we failed. It's not the only learning, because I think we struggled a bit during the first half. We need to test different options. On the pitch we had many new players, so we have to experience in real conditions, as was the case this evening. If it doesn't work, try another option. I think during the second half it was much better. I think it's positive for the future, especially for Saturday."

FORMATION CHANGE

“Probably the formation change was important, because we tested two forwards during the first half and it was tough, probably because of the shape and the low block. In the second half, with Wilson on the left, Marc in the middle and Pat on the right, we tried the 4-3-3 and it worked well."

ENERGY

“I think the energy was positive. Sometimes you can struggle, but you feel that they try. Obviously, the starting line-up was new, so you can't just decide and it works perfectly from scratch. It doesn't work like that. I think Huddersfield played with desire and intensity. They were well-organised and scored a fantastic goal. It was a good context for the development of the squad. At the end, if you try and work well but the output is negative, it doesn't mean you won't be selected for the next game.”

ISIDOR VERSATILE

“We spoke with Wilson earlier in the season about his versatility and the requirements of this Premier League. We need different options. We need pace, we need probably starters and finishers. We know Wilson can start as a nine, he can finish as a nine, but he can also start as an 11, like he did this evening [in the second half]. I think that is a good option for the club.”

TRANSFER UPDATES

"We need outs, that is clear. We know that will be really important, but we know that with the market, it is often only in the last couple of days when there are many movements. We will have to see of that is the case. Then, with new signings, we will have to see as well. We have spoken about the subject a lot, and we know how it works. There is a lot of work behind the scenes, then we will see.”