RLB POST DERBY

Regis Le Bris gave a typically balanced and measured assessment of his side's victory against the Mags, cementing Sunderland's spot as the biggest club in the north east.

DRESSING ROOM MOOD

"They were calm and relaxed. Probably tired a bit because it was a tough game. But I like as well this atmosphere because those players, this squad, doesn't get carried away. We know that this league is tough - if you don't work hard, if you are not connected with your game model, you get punished really quickly. So we'll enjoy today and get ready for the next fixture."

PRE/POST MATCH SPEAKERS

"We had Proc [Michael Proctor], because he knows the importance of this derby. And we had Luke, who had different experiences in this club as well."

TEAM PHOTO

“It's a game - when you win, you are happy. After that, obviously, we have players who were here for a long time, so they probably know better than the new ones how important this derby is, especially when you lost the previous one. So now it's a question of just being composed, as I repeat. You can enjoy it and then reset because we'll have another tough challenge in a week.”

STUFF TO WORK ON

"I'm happy. We expected a tough and tight game, and that was the case. I think during the first half, we showed great composure on the ball and without the ball. Tactically, I think it was really well played. The only regret at half-time was the final third. How could we create something more? We were a bit too patient sometimes. Finally, we found a solution just at the beginning of the second half. After that, we played a strong team. It was obvious that this was the first goal they were able to push. Our structure, 4-4-2, then 5-4-1, was strong."

MATURE PERFORMANCE

"Proud and happy. It was a derby and we were expected (to win) by our fans. This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were incredible. During the first half tactically it was really good, just small details about the shape, then it was a question of being more clinical in the final third. We had good control and some times were more patient. It was a good level of maturity, so happy for the lads and it is good for our fans."

GOOD FOR THE REGION

"It's good for the region, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a special game but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week so let's go again."

GROWING IN EXPERIENCE

"I think we are getting more and more experienced now. I think the squad is getting better. We are young, it's our first year in the Premier League. After tough experiences, Liverpool and City, I think now we are growing. I think it's positive. I'm not really surprised. It's probably a bit different from the level we expected. The question was, how can we score now?"

DEFENSIVE SOLIDITY

"It's so important to protect properly your goal. It's tough to score. One of the main parts, not the main part, but an important part of the game model we have is the ability to defend. Is it in a low block, in a big block, in high press, against counter-attacks as well? I think the lads did this part of the game really well today."

A WORD FOR THE FANS

"The atmosphere was impressive. I think now the lads are able to connect with the stands, to manage the momentum, to feel when it's time to use set-pieces, for example, to manage and generate momentum. At the end of the game, just those spikes, which I think are really important for the energy of the squad."