How Sunderland players feel about Regis Le Bris sack is really 'clear'
Regis Le Bris has the full support of his players at Sunderland despite what has been a difficult start to the Premier League season.
That has raised concerns about the level of performances at the Stadium of Light, but crucially, the boss is believed to have retained the backing of the players and the fans.
Former Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the players are backing Le Bris and instead looking internally for the reason for their poor start to the season.
This comes after Nordi Mukiele confessed after the Bournemouth loss that he and his teammates have been "arrogant" and have struggled to perform to the level expected of them.
The defender's stance, openness and honesty have been labelled "refreshing" and will come as a boost to Le Bris as the comments releive the pressure on his position.
Could Regis Le Bris be sacked by Sunderland?
Football Insider revealed on 19 October that Le Bris must turn his team's fortunes around quickly, with the Sunderland board growing concerned by recent results.
In normal circumstances, the boss would have more than enough credit in the bank to ease any concerns after leading his side to Europa League qualification last season.
However, Sunderland's board have lofty ambitions for their side, and are expecting results to improve sooner rather than later in pursuit of those goals.
"I thought it was very refreshing to hear the Sunderland player say what he said after the defeat," Brown told Football Insider.
"He and his teammates have taken the blame for their recent performances, taken the pressure off of the manager, and admitted they have not been good enough.
"It's something that doesn't happen often enough, to be honest, because it's easy for players to hide and blame the manager when things aren't going right.
"But it's clear that the Sunderland players are backing Le Bris, they're still behind him and the crowd are as well, which will be a huge boost to his chances of turning things around."
How can Le Bris save his job at Sunderland?
Despite the building pressure on his position at the Stadium of Light, there is no immediate expectation that Le Bris will be sacked, and instead he will be backed to turn things around.
Alongside the support of the players and the fans, the boss is still showing signs that his side can improve, and the board are believed to be content with him in charge for now.
Brown told Football Insider on 16 October that Sunderland's progress in the Europa League is currently saving him from being sacked.
The Black Cats have picked up two wins from two games in the league phase, with their impressive performances distracting from their contrasting Premier League form.
Should Sunderland continue to impress in the Europa League, Le Bris will buy himself time to get things right domestically, and there is confidence he can do that.