Barnesy's Blog: "Haway Le Bris" — What is Sunderland's Head Coach REALLY like?

Yesterday at 01:00 AM

BBC's Sunderland match commentator Nick Barnes reflects on his early interactions with Régis Le Bris — just what is the Frenchman REALLY like to work with?

Who is Régis Le Bris? Or perhaps more accurately, what is Régis Le Bris like? It's a question I've been asked countless times over the past few months.

Amusingly, I'm often asked if I've actually met him yet!

The truth is, like many others, I'm fascinated by the Frenchman. He carries an air of enigma while being affable and obliging in every interaction. In my mind, he's like the 'Mona Lisa.' Now, I know the 'Mona Lisa' was painted by an Italian, but it resides in the Louvre, and Leonardo da Vinci is buried in France. So, by association, it's French. That enigmatic smile she wears? It reminds me of Le Bris when he walks into the media room at the Academy of Light for his weekly press conference.

The way he surveys the room — he sizes everyone up within seconds of entering.

He answers each question put to him, whether with a detailed explanation or a simple yes or no, always with respect and a clear intention to be as open as possible. And let's not forget: English is his second language, yet he's already fluent and confident to a level that most English coaches wouldn't be if the roles were reversed, and they found themselves addressing a room full of French reporters.

His impact on the club has been nothing short of remarkable, especially considering the short time he's been here.

To arrive in July and have Sunderland sitting second in the Championship after just five matches — well, that's beyond impressive. In fact, this is the best start Sunderland has made to a season in 99 years! When you stop to reflect on that statistic, it's extraordinary, especially given the number of brilliant teams Sunderland has had in that span.

Take Peter Reid's team from the 1998/1999 season, for instance. They amassed a record-breaking 105 points but didn't win their first four games, drawing 1-1 with Swindon in their second match. They didn't even lose until November 21st that year!

So, yes, Le Bris's start is exceptional, but we should keep it in perspective. That said, he deserves every bit of credit for instilling such belief and optimism in a fan base that had been left deflated after last season's dismal second half.

There are, of course, external factors at play — like the well-received kit launch and a largely positive transfer window — but Le Bris's influence cannot be overstated.

How has he done it? Focus. That's the word that leaps to mind. Le Bris is articulate, intelligent, and methodical, with a forensic attention to detail. He's said himself that his only focus is football. He arrives at the Academy at 8:30 in the morning and doesn't leave until 8 in the evening — except, of course, when he's watching the Under-21s. He immerses himself in data, videos, and everything related to the sport, shutting out the world outside the Academy gates. When asked how he's settling into the area, he brushes off the question politely but succinctly — there's simply no time for anything but football.

Early in his tenure, I asked him about English cooking compared to French cuisine. He laughed and said he only eats in restaurants. I doubt much has changed since then. The kitchen at the Academy seems to be his go-to for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The fact that Régis Le Bris has chosen to pursue his career in England shows his ambition. He clearly has his sights set on the Premier League, and it's hard not to draw parallels between him and Arsène Wenger. Both are cerebral, meticulous coaches with an unwavering determination to succeed. Le Bris has already laid solid foundations by dissecting the marathon that is the Championship season, with its 46 gruelling matches where winning every game is impossible. Even the recent defeat at Plymouth Argyle was accepted without fuss because, as he said, his team "had a go," despite falling short in certain areas. On another day, Sunderland could have won 3-2.

He's brought clarity to his players and demonstrated a steely edge. The absence of Adil Aouchiche and Abdoullah Ba from recent matchday squads shows that Le Bris will not be swayed by sentiment. His straightforward handling of Jewison Bennette's situation — making it clear that Bennette is unlikely to feature in the first team for the next four or five months — shows a ruthless side, but one tempered with empathy and experience.

Le Bris undoubtedly has a vision, and it's unclouded by external distractions. The old adage "fail to prepare, prepare to fail" seems tailor-made for him.

At Sunderland, we have a manager who understands the vital role the fans play and references them often. He's someone who won't be swayed by success or collapse under the weight of setbacks. Instead, he'll analyse, learn, and adapt.

The Plymouth loss, in my view, will only make him more determined to get things right.

When asked about the so-called "curse" of the Manager of the Month award, he chuckled, showing he has a sense of humour. But there's no hubris in this man. He's a fascinating character — one we may never fully understand — but someone we can trust.

So far, the signs are encouraging. After the gloom of last season, we have reason to feel thankful. As for his choice of assistant, I'm sure he'll approach that decision with the same rigour he applies to everything else. Exciting times lie ahead.

Haway Le Bris!