Sunderland should sack Regis Le Bris if he repeats tactical blunder
Regis Le Bris could lose his job if he sticks by starting Chris Rigg as Sunderland's number 10 in the Premier League.
Le Bris is coming under increased pressure right now as Sunderland struggle to maintain the form that saw them impress last season.
The Black Cats are in the midst of a four-game losing streak in the Premier League and could only limp to a win over second-tier Portuguese side Torrense in the Europa League last week.
Sunderland's under-fire boss was met with vocal protests from fans after their 2-0 loss to Bournemouth on Sunday, with his rotated side failing to produce a single shot on target across 97 minutes.
Young midfielder Rigg was handed his first Premier League start of the campaign on the south coast, but only proved why he has struggled for minutes in recent months.
Le Bris' Sunderland career will only head one way if he sticks by Rigg in the 10 for any more league matches as they aim to return to winning ways soon.
Chris Rigg cannot be starting Premier League games for Sunderland anymore
Rigg burst onto the scene with his boyhood club as a 16-year-old in 2023-24 and was key to their Championship promotion in the following season.
He has long been highly rated by many on Wearside and across the country, but his progress has stalled over the last 12 months as the Black Cats' aims outgrow his current level.
The 19-year-old only started 11 league games last term and was handed a rare chance to impress in the top flight on Sunday, but failed to deliver.
He did not create a chance, take a shot on target or complete a dribble from attacking midfield against the Cherries, while winning five of nine attempted duels and making just 10 accurate passes in 65 minutes on the pitch.
Le Bris has plenty of quality midfielders and forwards at his disposal who should be starting instead of the teenager, such as Habib Diarra, Chemsdine Talbi, Nilson Angulo and Malick Fofana.
More starts for Rigg, who is clearly still not ready for regular PL football, would surely be a huge factor in Le Bris' time as the Black Cats boss coming to an end in the coming months.
Le Bris retains Sunderland players' backing despite recent struggles
Sunderland have hit rock bottom of the PL after the latest round of fixtures, and they are the only club to have picked up just four points from their opening seven league matches.
Despite their woes, sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Sunderland's players are fully supporting Le Bris despite questions over his position after their tough start to the campaign.
The Black Cats board have made him aware of their lofty aims as he aims to turn their performances around, while leading bookmakers are yet to make him one of the favourites among PL bosses to be sacked.