Régis Le Bris under growing Sunderland pressure after Dinamo Zagreb defeat as board maintains support

Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris is facing growing criticism after Thursday's 2-0 Europa League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb extended the club's difficult start to the season.

The Black Cats remain bottom of the Premier League with five points from nine matches, having qualified for European football only months earlier.

Although supporters have questioned Le Bris' tactics and team selections, Sunderland's hierarchy reportedly continues to back the Frenchman, with injuries and a demanding fixture schedule adding to the challenge.

Sunderland's 3-1 defeat at Coventry City on 31 October intensified scrutiny of Le Bris' decisions.

The visitors trailed 2-0 at half-time, but the manager retained the same players and formation until Coventry scored a third.

Only then did he introduce Wilson Isidor and Chemsdine Talbi and switch to a 4-4-2 system.

The decision prompted criticism from local journalists and supporters, who questioned Sunderland's attacking urgency and Le Bris' willingness to make changes.

Thursday's European defeat offered a contrasting example.

Trailing Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 at the interval, Le Bris made four substitutions at half-time. Sunderland improved but could not recover, suffering their first Europa League defeat of the campaign.

Criticism has also extended beyond the manager to Sunderland's recruitment, squad depth and leadership.

However, the club's demanding schedule provides important context.

Sunderland had won four of their first five European and domestic cup fixtures despite struggling in the Premier League, where they have collected only one point from six matches since those additional competitions began.

Injuries have further restricted Le Bris' options, particularly as the club adjusts to European football for the first time in more than five decades.

According to The Times, Sunderland's board and senior football leadership remain supportive of the manager.

That position complicates suggestions that a dismissal is imminent.

The results nevertheless leave Le Bris under considerable pressure.

Sunderland have scored just seven goals and conceded 17 in their opening nine Premier League matches.

The defeat to Dinamo Zagreb also ended their unbeaten European start, removing one of the more positive elements of their season.

Le Bris has maintained that he believes the situation can improve, while captain Granit Xhaka has emphasised the players' responsibility.

Sunderland host Chelsea on Sunday, 8 November, in a match that will provide another significant test of their Premier League form.

Le Bris must improve his team's defensive organisation and attacking effectiveness, while the club's hierarchy faces increasing pressure to demonstrate that its continued support can produce better results.