Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris says his squad are determined to finish the Premier League season strongly after reaching the traditional 40 point safety mark with victory over Leeds United.
The win at Elland Road effectively secured Sunderland’s top flight status for next season, marking an important milestone for a club that returned to the Premier League this campaign.
However, Le Bris insists the squad do not see the achievement as the end of their ambitions for the season.
Sunderland determined to push beyond 40 point target
The Sunderland head coach revealed that while reaching 40 points was a positive moment, the dressing room is already focused on what comes next.
Speaking after the victory at Leeds, Le Bris explained that the players want to continue improving during the final stretch of the campaign.
“The mood was positive after getting to 40 points, but now we want to go further. This isn’t the finishing line.” — Régis Le Bris
The French coach praised the intensity of his team’s performance at Elland Road, highlighting the pressing and defensive organisation that helped Sunderland secure the result.
“The way we played, with intensity, we pressed high and our mid press was excellent. We made it really difficult for them.” — Régis Le Bris
Leeds victory carries symbolic importance
Le Bris also pointed to the emotional significance of winning at Leeds compared with the previous season.
During Sunderland’s promotion campaign, defeat at Elland Road had been a turning point that effectively ended hopes of automatic promotion.
This season’s victory therefore represented a moment of progress for a squad that has undergone significant changes.
“It’s like a symbol for us because last season we lost that game and it was probably the end of expectations for automatic promotion.” — Régis Le Bris
According to the manager, the result demonstrated how the current group has developed both tactically and mentally.
Focus shifts to final nine Premier League matches
With Sunderland now eliminated from the FA Cup after their recent defeat to Port Vale, attention turns entirely to the remaining Premier League fixtures.
The Black Cats host Brighton at the Stadium of Light this weekend, beginning a sequence of nine matches that will determine their final position in the table.
Le Bris believes the squad remain motivated despite already achieving their primary objective for the season.
“We have nine games. Let’s push and keep pushing to see how far we can go. The players are still ambitious.”
European qualification not yet a focus
While Sunderland’s strong position has sparked discussion about a possible push for European places, the manager confirmed that topic has not been discussed internally.
For now, the emphasis remains on improving performances rather than calculating potential league scenarios.
Key Insights
- Sunderland reached 40 Premier League points with a win at Leeds United.
- Régis Le Bris says the squad want to keep improving during the final nine matches.
- The victory at Elland Road carried symbolic significance for the team.
- Sunderland host Brighton next at the Stadium of Light.
- European qualification has not yet been discussed internally.
What’s Next
Sunderland return to action at home against Brighton this weekend as they begin the final phase of their Premier League season. With nine games remaining, the club will aim to build momentum and secure the highest possible league finish.
The remaining fixtures will also provide an opportunity for the squad to continue developing under Le Bris as the club prepares for its second season back in the top flight.
How far can Sunderland climb in the Premier League table during the final nine games?
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