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https://www.safc.com/news/2026/june...ower-of-supporters-and-embracing-club-values/
After a historic first season back in the Premier League, Régis Le Bris has been speaking about harnessing the power of the supporters and holding club values at the heart of their identity.
For the first time in over half a century, Sunderland will be playing European football after a seventh-place finish in the Premier League secured their place in the Europa League for the 2026-27 season.
Since arriving on Wearside in the summer of 2024, Le Bris has worked to a establish a deep connection with the supporters their style of play, intensity and commitment to the cause. A mentality that has particularly helped in formulating a stronghold mentality at the Stadium of Light.
“That sense of roots is the connection with the fans,” he told French media outlet L’Equipe. “When they come to the stadium, what makes them react, get excited? It’s linked to who they are as a community. What gets the crowds going here is commitment, team spirit, a hard tackle à la Trai Hume!”
Le Bris says the overwhelming power of the Stadium of Light crowd plays a role in his pre-match preparations with careful consideration brought into how to get the best out of his team.
He continued: “We create something original and powerful if we pay attention to what we’re part of. When I formalised the game plan, I took that into account. What does it mean when the stands react to a tackle? It means our way of defending has to be a very risky man-to-man defence.
“This has a dual benefit in football terms. PSG play like that, Bayern Munich too. It’s not original in itself, but it’s a choice and we’re going to commit to it fully because it’s effective and modern and it’s also completely in line with our club identity.”
Whilst the summer months provide some breathing space for several members of the squad along with staff, work begins behind the scenes to prepare for another momentous season.
Excitement is already building for the new 2026-27 campaign. One that supporters will be able to look back on with fondness over the years to come with European trips and special nights at the SoL to come.
Le Bris added: “It’s easy to put into words, it’s a historic moment. The club has played four European Cup matches so far. It’s set to play eight more. Which in itself, is huge. It’s defining a generation of supporters.”
