Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has paid tribute to the club’s passionate fanbase, hailing their influence as a “key pillar” of the Black Cats’ identity and a driving force behind their strong start to life back in the Premier League. As Sunderland prepare to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, Le Bris has called on supporters to continue playing their part in what he hopes will be a season of resilience and growth.
🏟️ Fortress Stadium of Light
Sunderland’s return to the top flight has been marked by electric atmospheres at the Stadium of Light, where more than 45,000 fans have roared the team to victories over West Ham and Brentford. The latter saw the Black Cats snatch a dramatic 96th-minute winner, a moment that Le Bris believes epitomizes the bond between the team and its supporters.
“Sunderland is made with this support,” Le Bris said. “If we don’t use it properly, it doesn’t make sense. It’s connected with the way we want to play.”
He emphasized that while results matter, the fans respond most to commitment, identity, and togetherness — values that have defined Sunderland’s journey back to the Premier League.
🔁 Building Connections, Facing New Challenges
Reflecting on the opening-day 3–0 win over West Ham, Le Bris praised the immediate connection forged between new signings and the fanbase.
“It wasn’t easy to create this level, this output from a collective perspective so early,” he said. “But I was really happy with the performance and the connection with our fans.”
Looking ahead, Le Bris acknowledged that each match presents a new challenge and a fresh test of the team’s competence.
“It’s always a reset… every new experience will test our level. We’ll see if we are able to solve problems on that.”
🩺 Injury Boosts and New Faces
Ahead of the trip to Crystal Palace, Sunderland have received a timely boost with Luke O’Nien returning to training. The versatile defender has been sidelined since dislocating his shoulder in the play-off final but now looks set to rejoin the squad after the international break.
He’s joined by Aji Alese, who is also nearing a return after missing pre-season, while Dennis Cirkin and Leo Hjelde are expected back soon, though neither has resumed full training.
Le Bris also welcomed new arrivals Lutsharel Geertruida and Brian Brobbey to the training ground for the first time. Both could feature at Selhurst Park, though their match fitness will be carefully managed. Bertrand Traoré, meanwhile, remains on international duty with Burkina Faso and may not be available until next week.
🔮 Eyes on Selhurst Park
Sunderland head into the Palace fixture with six points from their first three games, sitting comfortably in the top half of the table. However, they’ll be looking to secure their first away points of the season after a 2–0 defeat to Burnley in their only road game so far.
With momentum building and key players returning, Le Bris is urging fans to stay connected and continue driving the team forward.
“If our fans recognise the identity, the willingness, the commitment… it will be a massive strength for us.”
As Sunderland prepare for another test in the capital, the message is clear: the journey is just beginning, and the fans are at the heart of it.