Regis Le Bris on why Leeds United are 'bucking the trend' with admission and Sunderland 'feeling' declaration
Regis Le Bris has served up Leeds United praise ahead of Sunderland’s trip to Elland Road.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris says there are several reasons why Leeds United are ‘bucking the trend’ ahead of Tuesday night’s showdown between two thriving Premier League newbies at Elland Road.
Leeds and Sunderland were promoted together from last season’s Championship but in very different circumstances, Farke’s Whites going up as champions but the Black Cats taken all the way to the play-off final where they dramatically beat Sheffield United.
The two clubs are now back in the Premier League at a time when the last six promoted teams have all gone straight back down but Sunderland sit 12th and 12 points clear of the dropzone, six points and three places ahead of Farke’s Whites.
Leeds themselves, though, remain six points clear of the dropzone, the Whites and Black Cats firmly on course to buck the trend of newly-promoted teams going straight back down.
Speaking at Monday’s pre-match press conference, Le Bris was asked why that was happening, the Black Cats boss saluting United’s identity, manager and gradual building process with an admission about the club’s “great atmosphere” at Elland Road.
“It wasn’t a surprise”
Le Bris also served a reminder that time was needed to adapt to life in the country’s top flight but declared that Sunderland could already “feel” the energy back in the Premier League.
Asked about Sunderland but also Leeds bucking the trend of proving strong in the Premier League following promotion and why that was, Le Bris declared: “Leeds are doing well.
“They have a clear identity, a strong pressing team with the ability to go direct but they are comfortable to build short as well.
"They are well coached with a great atmosphere at Elland Road.
"They have built over a few years I think so last season they were really strong and it wasn't a surprise the outcome at the end of the season and they kept going.
"You still need time to adapt in the Premier League but we can feel the energy."