
Regis Le Bris is confident that Sunderland's midfield stars want to stay at the club this month, despite attracting interest from the Premier League. Dan Neil in particular has been the subject of rumours in the past few days, linking him to Everton and West Ham. RLB also expects Kristjaan Speakman and co to do all they can to retain the club's biggest talents as we head into the business end of the season.
GOOD PLAYERS LEADS TO TRANSFER INTEREST
“We have good players, and because we have good players, we can have a lot of interest about them. The long-term is one timeline, but when it comes to the short-term, the most important thing is the connection to the team."
THEY WANT TO STAY
“I think these players, in their mind right now, have the story that we are living. They are so connected that, for me, they want to stay here. Now, on the opposite side, they have to find a solution about their contracts and their futures, that is normal. But, for me, to story we are living now is the best element for the next few weeks and also after the transfer window.”
EVERYONE ON THE SAME PAGE
“If you look at the owner, the sporting director and the recruitment structure, then I think we are really connected about the opportunity we have this season. We all know the opportunity is there, and we want to do everything we can to try to make it happen. Then, on the other side, even if a massive offer was to arrive, the player has to sign and say, ‘Yes, I want to leave’. Hopefully, all of those things will mean that the decision in the end is really clear."
ENJOY THE GOOD TIMES
“It is normal to have these conversations about our players, but at the same time, what I can feel in the dressing room and here in the building every day, it shows that we are all so connected with the story we are living right now. That is not that common, and we all know that. In professional life, moments like these are very rare, so we have to enjoy them. Even if money is here, or promises are there – what we are living right now is really important.”
NEIL SITUATION
“I don’t know what is happening with his (Neil) contract at the minute. I know that the club, with Kristjaan especially, has many conversations with his agent. That is probably in progress, although I don’t know exactly."
FOOTBALL INTELLIGENCE & LEADERSHIP
“He is a very important player for us. On the pitch, it is sometimes not easy to assess the way in which he helps the team to solve the problems we face. He is tactically very smart and can understand what happens on the pitch very quickly. He can solve things, and share with his team-mates what is important to do. If it doesn’t work, then he will change later and he has a very good connection with the staff. He is the captain. Sometimes, you can have the armband but not necessarily lead on the pitch. With him, he is very impressive.”