Regis Le Bris has 'saved his job' at Sunderland after 'huge' development

Sunderland's strong start to their Europa League campaign is delaying any pressure that could build on Regis Le Bris' position.

While it is difficult to imagine the boss would come under any serious pressure given the Black Cats' displays last season, they have endured a difficult spell this term.

They have won just one of their opening six Premier League games and conceded 12 goals in that time, leading to early suggestions they could be dragged into trouble.

However, former Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Le Bris will ease any speculation about his future if he can put together a strong European campaign.

The North East club have now picked up two wins from two games in the league phase, with a dramatic late winner from Noah Sadiki taking all three points from Torreense.

Should Sunderland continue to impress in the Europa League, their Premier League form can be ignored for now, although there is a feeling that they must improve.

Why are questions being asked of Regis Le Bris?

Football Insider reported during the summer that Le Bris could come under pressure in the new season, after Floren Ghisolfi insisted they should have done better last season.

It is harsh to suggest that the boss could get any more out of this team, but with the hierarchy making their expectations clear, their start to the season will fall short of those ambitions.

Should their Premier League form continue, there is every chance Le Bris could face questions over his future, although their Europa League form will calm any nerves.

"It's a bit of a strange one with Regis Le Bris at Sunderland; it doesn't seem completely settled," Brown told Football Insider.

"You would think after last season that there would be no way he could be sacked, but I remeber the director of football came out and said they should have done better.

"That's obviously not a great sign, and then when you take that into account, I can't imagine they will be especially impressed with how they've started the season.

"When you look at the Premier League table, they're down at the wrong end of it, and they've only won one game so far so they will be expecting to improve in the near future.

"I think the key for Le Bris, though, is how Sunderland do in Europe because it's been a fast start for them in that competition, they're winning games and doing well.

"Those wins have been huge for them, so that will distract from their Premier League form a little bit, it could save his job if it comes to that and their domestic performances don't improve.

"That's the benefit of playing in Europe. It can make things difficult, you have to play a lot of games, but it gives you an opportunity to distract if things aren't going well in the league."

What issues are Sunderland facing?

As previously stated, Le Bris should be facing minimal pressure if any for his side's Premier League performances this season after pulling off a huge achievement last time out.

Meanwhile, there are circumstances beyond his control which have impacted their start to their campaign, with major injuries already causing problems at the Stadium of Light.

Brown told Football Insider on 12 October that Sunderland could be "in big trouble" as a result of their recent injuries, with both Brian Brobbey and Dan Ballard sidelined.

That was shown during the 2-0 defeat against ten-man Brighton at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, as the Black Cats were unable to cope without their star names.

While Brobbey is expected to return in the near future, Ballard's absence is still a little way off, and any further blows could dent the Black Cats' ambitions.