Regis Le Bris does not believe today’s game against Bristol City will have a bearing on how Sunderland will tackle the fixture should it happen again in the play-offs. However he admits he will take some 'information' should they meet again in a couple of weeks.
The Championship season is coming to a head with just four games to play and a City win at Ashton Gate, today, would increase the likelihood of a re-match in May when it really matters.
Asked whether he thinks today’s game will have a bearing on a potential future clash he maintained: “It will be interesting as it was against Coventry. We made a full analysis after that game. Even though it [a play-off semi-final] will be totally different from the tactical point of view, the knowledge and learning about a team’s strengths and weaknesses is important.
“We want to win this game with the best team available at that minute. After that if we play again against Bristol that will be another game but the information we get from this game will be important.”
This period is a bit of a lull until the real action begins and Le Bris will continue to rotate players, not worrying about defeats and momentum.
“This season shows they are able to react quickly after defeats,” said Le Bris of his players. “I’m not too worried about that, they have shown they have many resources as a team and as players to react when necessary. So it’s more about injuries and freshness. The injuries we have to manage without rushing.
“They [players] are connected with the competition and it means something to them. I know when it is really important [play-offs] they will be connected. We are not worried about this period. It’s more something fully deserved.
"We are in this situation because we deserve it. We have 76 points so it’s massive. I understand the dynamic is not the same but it’s the dynamic for us and not something to avoid or be afraid of.”
Le Bris has talked to many people about the play-off situation two years ago and added: “It’s a new experience for me. I talk with many people about this period and how we can manage this situation.
“What is really important is the end of the season. It’s not now. Because we can’t change our position right now, We can build our shape properly until the end of the season. This is our main purpose and what we can control so we will use it [this time] properly.”
Making chances has become an issue and he added: “Goalscoring is really important for the outcome of the game and it’s a collective consequence of other pillars in our game. The build-up against Swansea wasn’t really efficient so we have to improve that. The connection high up the pitch is better so we can create more chances and we didn’t create many against Swansea. We can understand why it’s happening and, while we are not happy, we have explanations.
“Now we have this opportunity. We might have problems and injuries but not because we rushed the process, it will be because we are unlucky. It’s time to be calm, quiet, well organised and to support the squad.”
The fans are desperate to see their team win and Le Bris acknowledged: “We have built something impressive and now we are expecting more. It’s human nature. I can understand that. I respect the position, I respect the bad feeling at the end of the game [if we lose], but at the same time it’s still possible to reach the Premier League.
“If we were told 11 months ago, everyone would be happy to be in that position. “Now it’s important to stay calm and focused on this goal.”
