Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris insists he still has the backing of owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus as speculation over his future intensifies following a 3-1 defeat at Coventry City that left the club bottom of the Premier League.
The newly-promoted side trailed 3-0 before a late rally saw Enzo Le Fee pull a goal back, but the performance drew boos from the travelling supporters at full-time. Le Bris, who guided Sunderland to promotion from the Championship and a seventh-place finish with European qualification in the past two seasons, is now under increasing pressure.
Inconsistent form and defensive errors
Inconsistency, a lack of attacking football and defensive mistakes have blighted the Black Cats this season as they struggle to balance Europa League commitments with league form. Despite remaining unbeaten in Europe and reaching the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, they have won just once in the league this season.
Speaking at his post-match press conference at the CBS Arena, Le Bris said he believes he retains the support of Louis-Dreyfus and director of football Florent Ghisolfi.
Manager's confidence in club unity
"I've no doubt," Le Bris told reporters when asked if he still had the backing of the key decision-makers. "I don't think like this. For me, we experienced so many difficult situations to achieve what we achieved, and we won't give up just because it's a bit tough at the beginning of the season."
"So, 100 per cent I'm combative. I feel the unity of the club. The players obviously still have doubt because when you lose, you try to find solutions. I don't feel that the players are trying to escape their own responsibilities, which is the most important, I think. And for the players, it's the case. For the staff, it's the case. For me, it's the case. So, I keep working hard."
Fan reaction acknowledged
The travelling support made their feelings clear at the final whistle, and there has been a strong reaction on social media to Le Bris' future. The Frenchman said he appreciates the fan sentiment but believes everyone will pull together.
"It was totally understandable," he said of the reaction. "I think if you're not disappointed that at the end of the game they're going away at Coventry for an important game for three points, it's normal to react like this. But I know their support. I know that they believe in the club. They experienced a much more difficult situation than this one, and we'll stick together."
