PLAYERS AREN'T ON THE BEACH

Regis Le Bris insists that standards are still high in Sunderland's dressing room despite the squad easily reaching their initial targets of staying up and beating the Mags twice. He wouldn't talk about potential European football qualification, but also refused to put a limit on what this team can achieve.

LAST SEASON'S LADS HAVE IMPROVED

“It is impressive how they have stepped up. A quick reminder, we are a newly-promoted side who were expected to be relegated early. Finally, we hit that 40-point target in early March with strong moments and tough moments as well, but we managed this season really well because of the level of the squad and our players. It’s impressive.”

40 POINTS

“It is an average target, probably at the highest point. You might need less but if you want to set high standards then I think it’s fair to start with 40 points. For this season’s relegation battle, it won’t be with us which is a great achievement I think.”

HALF TIME TEAM TALKS

“I will say that our squad this year is ‘alive’ and it’s good because they care a lot. When they don’t find a solution during the first half, when they struggle and don’t fix problems in real time, they want to go forward and move to change that dynamic. I think it’s really positive. After that, half time is short and we have to be clear in our minds to deliver the right message - otherwise it is a problem.”

LEADERSHIP IN THE SQUAD

“I think it’s key for performance and it is challenging for everyone, as a manager as well. We know the standards are high and for me, that is the key point. Results are the consequence of our daily standards and with the players we have in the dressing room, the standards are high. It means you have to be demanding with the team, the coaching staff and with me as well. It is positive.”

CONSISTENCY

“The approach remains the same. I repeat, results are a consequence of daily standards. If we stay consistent and we want to learn, to keep this identity and togetherness, then we don’t know what we can achieve. It is about this daily ambition and once again this week, the energy is growing and it is positive.”

MAINTAIN STANDARDS

“It is not really different. The environment can change but the quality of the management is t stay focused, even with noise. If we know that relegation is a big threat then we’ll stay focused and consistent in our way of working, this is the main challenge for us. It’s the same when things are positive - you don’t want to change your mind, otherwise you create your own trap or problems.”

HOW TO PREVENT COMPLACENCY

“We had this question just before the international break. We felt that the period was long and probably between November and March it was the most demanding period of the season with AFCON, injuries, suspensions and so on. After reaching our target, the question remained: will we have the same energy and ambition or not? It was the case, we won at Newcastle but lost against Brighton - will we bounce back, yes or no? It was the case against Tottenham. I can repeat, the energy in the dressing room is high. They want to play and they want to enjoy this moment because it is rare. The ambition is still high.”

WHAT WOULD EUROPE MEAN?

“I don’t think like that. What will be the output of the season? I don’t know. Once again, it is step-by-step. We will see the result at the end of the season. I can say that we are currently ahead of our targets, clearly, which is fantastic. Can we go further, we don’t know but we will work on it.”