SUNDERLAND, June 26, Florent Ghisolfi has hailed Régis Le Bris as an “incredible fit” for Sunderland as the head coach prepares to become the first manager since Steve Bruce to lead the club into a third consecutive campaign.
Le Bris, who guided the Black Cats to promotion in his first season before securing a remarkable seventh placed finish last term, has defied expectations on Wearside. His position was the subject of surprise speculation earlier this year, though club sources quickly dismissed the rumours as the Frenchman went on to secure Europa League qualification.
The Sunderland director of football says Le Bris’s selfless approach and contentment working away from the spotlight have made him a strong cultural fit for the club’s long term vision.
“The key word is alignment,” Ghisolfi said. “Our strength is alignment from the ownership, CEO, sporting director and manager. I’m speaking about Régis, so first is the leadership alignment. We have the same view, one voice, one direction and this is important. But also, I think he’s a fit with Sunderland because he’s someone who doesn’t need to be in the limelight.
“I think the values Régis has are completely aligned with Sunderland, so this is a very good thing. This personality and these values make him an incredible fit.”
Le Bris signed a new contract following promotion that currently has two years remaining. He was nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Year award, though Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta ultimately claimed the honour.
Ghisolfi was keen to emphasise the collective effort behind Le Bris’s success, pointing to the strength of his backroom staff and the unity across the club’s hierarchy.
“He is a top manager, but I want also to say that I believe in the strength of the organisation and Régis has an incredible staff with him, together they are doing very well,” Ghisolfi added. “This is what we want to protect and reinforce. He deserves this recognition from the people here because I can tell you he is working very hard, thinking always about the squad and club as a collective. The first thing is to put Sunderland first before everything [and Régis does this].”
The stability Le Bris has brought to the Stadium of Light stands in stark contrast to the turbulent years that preceded his arrival. Sunderland had endured five permanent managers in the three seasons before his appointment, with the club languishing in the Championship. His ability to build a cohesive unit and deliver European football has transformed expectations on Wearside.
With another campaign on the horizon and a Europa League campaign to navigate, Le Bris’s alignment with the club’s values and his willingness to operate without fanfare, appears precisely the foundation Sunderland require to sustain their upward trajectory.
