LE BRIS PRE MAGS

Regis Le Bris has spoken ahead of Sunday’s Wear-Tyne Derby, saying that it’s being treated as any other game but also saying that the players can use the atmosphere to help them.

KEEPING EVERYONE GROUNDED

“I think that we, probably, have two different positions. Our fans and the people around the club and our players and the club. For the fans, we know that this game is really big and it’s a really important game. For us, the game is important as well but we are professional. We are preparing for this fixture like any other one, with good commitment, concentration and the right level of energy. We know that it will be an intense game. The main focus is finding the best version of Sunderland for the fixture.”

HAS THE WEEK FELT DIFFERENT?

“We can learn from Bournemouth, Liverpool, Man City, we play against the best teams in Europe every weekend. So, it wasn’t so different I think. We are preparing for this fixture properly, with the right level of analysis on one side but on the other side we want to play our game, that’ll be really important.”

MANAGING THE ATMOSPHERE

“I think when we had the good experiences at the Stadium of Light this season, it was loud and I expect it will be louder against Newcastle. So far, the players have used this energy really well to raise the momentum, to push, to change the dynamic of the game when it is needed. So, I hope it will be the case once again.”

IMPORTANCE OF THE FANS

“At home, we have this advantage and we have to make the most of it. It will be important, as usual, I would say. We play with this energy and this extra energy can help the project. When we are connected like that, we have this advantage at home and we’ll try to use it.”

FOUR OR FIVE AT THE BACK?

“We have different options, I think it’s really positive now because of the culture of the knowledge of the squad now. It helps us to be flexible. It's really important when you start with a plan A, it works, okay, but if the opponent finds a solution you can move to another option. Now, we have multiple options in our squad, which is positive.”