‘We respect the competition’ – Le Bris honours Sunderland’s FA Cup history

Régis Le Bris has underlined his respect for Sunderland’s deep-rooted FA Cup tradition ahead of a testing third-round trip to Everton, insisting the competition still carries real significance for the club.

The Black Cats travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday for a 12.15pm GMT kick-off, aiming to secure a place in the fourth round against Everton.

Despite the demands of the league campaign, Régis Le Bris confirmed he will not take a cautious approach to team selection.

“New game, new energy,” Le Bris said. “We want to go strong because we respect the competition.”

Sunderland face some late decisions. Wilson Isidor is set to undergo a fitness test, while there is also the possibility of welcoming back players returning from the Africa Cup of Nations. Even so, Le Bris made it clear ambition remains part of the club’s thinking.

While league priorities remain central, Le Bris acknowledged Sunderland’s unique relationship with the FA Cup and its place in the club’s identity.

“This is a really prestigious competition for the club,” he said. “It was really important in Sunderland’s early history.”

That history includes two iconic triumphs. Sunderland lifted the FA Cup in 1937 with a 3-1 victory over Preston North End, before producing one of English football’s greatest upsets in 1973 by beating Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley.

Those moments remain central to the club’s folklore — and Le Bris believes they still matter today.

Le Bris accepted that balance will be required, but stressed the FA Cup presents a different opportunity compared to congested European competitions.

“This is really important for the club, but we have to strike the right balance with our selection,” he explained. “We can be ambitious. It won’t be like a European cup because the schedule won’t be as busy, so we want to go strong.”

For Sunderland, that ambition will be tested immediately against Everton.

Saturday’s tie offers Sunderland the chance to write another chapter in their FA Cup story, while also measuring themselves against top-flight opposition. Progress would provide momentum — and a reminder that history still has a role to play in shaping the present.

Can Sunderland channel their famous FA Cup past to upset Everton?