Regis Le Bris under pressure as Sunderland’s hierarchy talk up Champions League ambitions - view
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris could be facing an early departure from the club next season.
That is after what the club's Director of Football Floren Ghisolfi told Sky Sports News, reflecting on Sunderland's first season back in the Premier League for eight years.
Le Bris should be applauded for Sunderland's campaign, with the Black Cats qualifying for the Europa League thanks to a seventh-placed Premier League finish.
Sunderland overhauled their squad last summer, and the club were among the favourites to be relegated to the Championship.
The Frenchman oversaw Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League, and deserves to have plenty of credit in the bank.
With further squad changes expected this summer in preparation for Europa League football, sacking Le Bris would be the last thing the club needs to do right now.
What did Florent Ghisolfi say about Sunderland's season?
Ghisolfi was clearly frustrated that Sunderland only earned a Europa League spot.
Whilst Sunderland's form did suffer during the latter stages of the season, with just two wins from their final six matches, Ghisolfi should be delighted that the club qualified for any form of European competition.
Instead Ghisolfi seems to have put pressure on Le Bris heading into next season: "To be honest, at the end of the season I felt some frustration because I was sure we could have done better.
"I am not saying we will do better, but we can. The club grew last season, but we still have a lot of things to improve on.
"Next year, Champions League? Maybe. Sunderland don’t have any limit."
Sources have told Football Insider that Sunderland would be reviewing Le Bris' position as manager this summer.
How likely is it that Sunderland qualify for the Champions League?
It is unlikely that Sunderland can compete for Champions League qualification next season without further investment in the squad.
Ghisolfi would have to get fully behind Le Bris in the transfer market, whilst the club would have to keep hold of their most important players.
Sunderland now have two paths into the Champions League, by either winning the Europa League or by finishing fifth or above in the Premier League.
Europa League success is not insurmountable, as shown by Aston Villa, but it would take stability on and off the pitch for Sunderland to replicate it.