Regis Le Bris insists he retains the backing of Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus as speculation over his future intensifies following a 3-1 defeat at Coventry City.
The Black Cats remain bottom of the Premier League table after the newly-promoted side raced into a 3-0 lead, with Enzo Le Fee pulling a goal back late on for the visitors. Boos from the away end at full-time reflected a poor display, and Le Bris faces mounting pressure despite guiding Sunderland to promotion and a seventh-place finish in his first two seasons.
European demands take their toll
Inconsistency, a lack of attacking football and defensive errors have blighted the club's campaign as they juggle Europa League commitments with league form. Unbeaten in Europe and into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, Sunderland have won just once in the league and sit bottom of the standings.
Asked in his post-match press conference at the CBS Arena whether he still had the support of Louis-Dreyfus and director of football Florent Ghisolfi, Le Bris said he had no doubt.
Manager confident in club unity
"I've no doubt," Le Bris told reporters. "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."
The travelling support made their feelings clear at the final whistle, and social media has reacted strongly to Le Bris' future. The Frenchman said he understood the fan sentiment but believes everyone will pull together.
Fans' reaction understood
"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."
