Sunderland 0-2 Dinamo Zagreb: What Le Bris saidpublished at 22:34 GMT 5 November
22:34 GMT 5 November
Media caption,
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris speaking to TNT Sports: "Tough. I think we had two different halves and the first one was difficult. Many young players played and it's not easy to manage. It's not easy to change the dynamic, I appreciated the change in the second half, with more experienced players.
"More quality, more experience on the pitch, we are unlucky because we created many chances but it wasn't enough but sometimes it's like this. Sometimes you go on a poor run, but we are still competitive, the players tried until the end."
Hear more from Le Bris above or listen on BBC Sounds
Did you know?
Sunderland have failed to score in four of their eight home games in all competitions this season, just one fewer than in 20 games at the Stadium of Light last term (5).
Sunderland had seven shots on target in this match, their most in a match without scoring since December 2024 against Stoke in the Championship.
Follow Thursday's European games livepublished at 17:10 GMT 5 November
17:10 GMT 5 November
There are 18 games in both the Europa League and the Conference League - four of them involving Premier League teams - on Thursday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Another 'frustrating' setback for Diarra - Gabbiadinipublished at 12:15 GMT 5 November
12:15 GMT 5 November
Image source, Getty Images
Habib Diarra's latest injury setback "is frustrating" for the midfielder, Regis le Bris and supporters, says former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini.
Le Bris confirmed on Wednesday that Diarra's expected to be sidelined for about six weeks with a muscle injury he picked up in training.
The 21-year-old, who had only recently returned from a hamstring injury, also had a disrupted 2025-26 debut campaign after having groin surgery.
"It's been frustrating for him more than anybody else," said Gabbiadini on BBC Radio Newcastle. "It's not great for the fans either.
"We've had quite a few people come on [the show] and they don't really know the player that well because of the stop-start conditions.
"Even when he comes back from injury it takes him a little while to get back up to full pace.
"He was a big signing last season. When he has played he's looked decent.
"He's been part of a team that was successful last season, but it is frustrating when a player just keeps breaking down like this.
"Some players are susceptible to them [muscle injuries] and there's not much you can do about it."
'Sunderland is my home' - Tutierovpublished at 10:08 GMT 5 November
10:08 GMT 5 November
Image source, Getty Images
Sunderland's Timur Tutierov says there is lots he can learn from the other forwards at the club but the "main thing" is to keep his own identity as a player.
The 21-year-old made his full senior debut against Torreense in the Europa League and can play as a winger or a striker.
Speaking before their match against Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday, Tutierov said: "My adaptation [from playing on the wing] was quite good because I'm around great players which can advise me and it's easier to play with them and get integrated with the team.
"I think it's what was the key in me to switch very quick from winger to striker, but I still can play winger if needed!
"There is some things to learn from Brian [Brobbey], from Wilson [Isidor], from everyone, but for me it's very important to keep my identity."
The Ukraine under-21 international joined the Black Cats in 2023 and says Sunderland as a place and as a football club means a lot to him.
"It's my home," he added. "Because of war in Ukraine at the moment, I left and I'm here right now. I have my own house and I was with a host parent when I first came, she's like my English mum and I love her so much.
"All the environment which I've built around me, it's made me feel Sunderland is my home, where I can be and where I can feel safe."
Le Bris on injuries, form and 'new journey' published at 14:40 GMT 4 November
14:40 GMT 4 November
Holly Bacon BBC Sport journalist
Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Europa League game against Dinamo Zagreb at Stadium of Light (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Le Bris confirmed Habib Diarra will be out "probably around six weeks" with a muscle injury, adding: "We are sad for him. He worked hard to get back after the previous injury. We expected him because he's important in our squad. So we have to understand exactly the injury, the why and to prepare him for the next comeback."
The Sunderland boss also confirmed Chemsdine Talbi has been added to their Europa League squad in Diarra's place and is available for the game.
On the rest of the squad's fitness: "We don't have many injuries, but they are serious. Romain [Mundle], [Dan] Ballard and Habib now, but for the others, they want to play and that's a really positive vibe we can feel on the pitch. We want to prove that we are a good team and we can bounce back."
Ballard has been on the bike on Wednesday morning and has an expected return date to training of mid-December.
On their form in Europe compared with the Premier League: "Growing pains. Is it unexpected? I would say no. We are experiencing probably the most demanding challenge Sunderland has ever faced in its history. Premier League, Europa League, quarter-final in Carabao Cup, FA Cup later. We earned it last season and we are pleased to be in this position, but playing every three days is much more demanding than preparing a game with one full week, and so it's a new journey."
When asked about the gap between the English top flight and Europe, he responded: "I think the gap is big and it's positive for the Premier League first of all. It shows the level. The difference between the bottom and top of the league is not so big and it's really tight. So for us, it means that every three days you have to reset, set the highest standards and it's a new journey."
Le Bris feels Dinamo Zagreb, who parted company with their manager Mario Kovacevic earlier this week, were "interesting to analyse" and that "when you don't know how the opponent will evolve, you focus on your strength". He added: "I think we have to show our identity once again to prove what we are, that is probably the main focus".
Is Europe behind Sunderland's struggles?published at 12:08 GMT 4 November
12:08 GMT 4 November
Neil Johnston BBC Sport football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Dinamo Zagreb under the lights at the Stadium of Light on Bonfire Night.
These should be exciting times for Sunderland and their fans, who before this season had been starved of European football for more than half a century.
Instead there is a concern the club's Europa League campaign, which includes a trip to AC Milan in December, has become a hindrance after the team's poor domestic start to the season.
Following last Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Coventry City, captain Granit Xhaka questioned the team's "courage", weeks after France defender Nordi Mukiele claimed the side had become "arrogant".
BBC Sport understands Le Bris' job is not in immediate danger and he will be given more time to turn things around.
Sunderland, who were playing in League One as recently as 2022, were lauded as one of the stories of last season, after doing the double over Chelsea and fierce rivals Newcastle, as well as holding both Arsenal and Manchester City at home.
The numbers suggest repeated success was always going to be difficult.
Only relegated Burnley and Wolves had a lower Expected Goals difference - comparing the amount of good chances created to those chances created against them - than Sunderland last campaign.
Two of Sunderland's seven league goals this season have come from the penalty spot, while they have finished with 10 men in defeats by Arsenal (Reinildo Mandava sent off), Bournemouth (Kevin Danso sent off) and Coventry (Omar Alderete sent off).
Meanwhile, Sunderland have failed to score a first-half goal in seven of their nine league games.
Sunderland spent £161m on 15 new players after winning promotion to the Premier League in the summer of 2025.
This time round, just £60m was invested on five players.
For many, the reason for Sunderland's current struggles appears obvious - the added demand of Europe.
Their first European campaign since 1973 means at least eight games in the Europa League. Unlike in the Premier League, Sunderland have started well in Europe, winning two and drawing one of their first three league phase matches.
The Black Cats have lost two and drawn one of their three Premier League games after playing in Europe.
They could certainly do with beating Chelsea on Sunday after playing Dinamo Zagreb to lift the mood.
Otherwise it is going to be an unhappy international break for Sunderland and their passionate fanbase.
Gossip: Sunderland want MLS goalscorer Yeboahpublished at 07:49 GMT 4 November
07:49 GMT 4 November
Minnesota United's 26-year-old forward Kelvin Yeboah - nephew of Leeds United and Ghana hero Tony Yeboah - is on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs, with Sunderland, Everton and Crystal Palace all in the market for a striker. (Talksport), external
'Clubs that sack their managers get relegated'published at 16:21 GMT 3 November
16:21 GMT 3 November
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on what's going wrong at Sunderland as concerns are growing over the Black Cats' form.
Here are some of your comments:
Stevie: There's no true dedicated striker, the formation is too defensive minded, we are afraid to make changes, and we must change attacking style and play 4-4-2. We must be more attacking and are definitely down if we don't change. There is no hard luck story here.
Charlie: You could see how other clubs struggled while juggling the Europa League so it shouldn't be a surprise. My opinion is that while we kept most of the players who got us there, in the transfer market we stood still and I think in the Premier League you have to keep moving, making adjustments. We got some good young players in, but we should have done more with players who can come straight into the team.
Bryan: I always thought and said qualifying for Europe would be our downfall. We don't have a squad big enough to manage both. I have been a Sunderland supporter/follower since 1962 and when things go wrong we always sack the manager. That would be the wrong decision. Clubs that sack their managers get relegated.
Mark: The Sunderland manager is excellent. The team are just going through an underperforming period at the moment, they will get better.
Isabel: I 100% agree with the club's backing for Regis le Bris. They had previously some unlucky losses and draws against tough opposition and have been performing well in Europe and the League Cup. I worry though about the depth of the squad and injuries. Their schedule is crazy. I love this team. Keep the faith.
Brobbey's deal gives 'reassurance' published at 13:47 GMT 3 November
13:47 GMT 3 November
Nick Barnes BBC Radio Newcastle’s Sunderland commentator
Image source, Getty Images
I'm pleased Brian Brobbey has signed a new long-term deal and I think it is one that works for both parties.
The club now has that protection of having the value of the player and not losing money on him if they are relegated, while from the player's point of view, he knows he's secure for the next five years.
At the moment, there's a lot of anxiety and worry around, so it's nice to know that a player wants to be here. It's a bit of reassurance.
After the weekend, Granit Xhaka came out and said there's still togetherness in the dressing room so they're still right behind Regis le Bris and there's still that spirit within the team to turn things around.
We know that when Brian Brobbey is 100% fit and focused on his game, he's unstoppable. He's a beast and very difficult to play against.
His hat-trick at Manchester City demonstrates that he's got a sense for goal.
Maybe, he should arguably be scoring more, but I think that if they can get him into a run of games where he's fit consistently then the goals will come.
Brobbey signs new Sunderland deal until 2031published at 12:29 GMT 3 November
12:29 GMT 3 November
Image source, Getty Images
Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey has signed a new long-term contract that commits him to the club until 2031.
The Netherlands international, who signed from Ajax in the summer of 2025, has made 40 appearances for the Black Cats, scoring 10 goals.
"I'm really happy with the confidence the club has shown in me," said Brobbey. "Since I arrived, I've felt the ambition here, and I want to keep growing and improving as a player.
"Representing Sunderland in the Premier League is both an honour and a privilege. Having played my part in helping this club qualify for European competition is something I'm incredibly proud of. It's an achievement that will always be part of the club's history.
"I know I still can be a better version of myself, and that's what motivates me every day. I want to score goals, help the team and give our fans something to be proud of."
Why last year's overachievers are strugglingpublished at 10:00 GMT 3 November
10:00 GMT 3 November
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
Regis le Bris' Sunderland were undoubtedly last season's surprise package, but they were also among the Premier League's biggest overperformers.
The Black Cats scored three more goals and conceded six fewer than their expected goals (xG) figures would have predicted.
They ranked towards the bottom of the league for possession and both the volume and quality of their shots, but stood out in defence.
Only Burnley and West Ham faced more attempts at goal, but the Wearsiders often restricted opponents to low-quality opportunities.
The average xG of the shots they faced was the second lowest in the league, while their save percentage of almost 72% was the second highest. That helps explain how Sunderland conceded the fourth-fewest number of goals despite facing the third-most amount of shots.
It has been a very different story this season. Le Bris' side have gone from allowing the second-lowest xG per shot to the second highest.
The number of shots they face per game is almost unchanged, but opponents are creating far better chances. That has left goalkeeper Robin Roefs exposed, with Sunderland's 50% save rate the lowest in the top flight.
That defensive decline has been compounded by profligacy at the other end. The Black Cats rank 10th for xG but have scored six goals fewer than expected, making them among the Premier League's most wasteful finishers.
It was only five months ago that Sunderland became the first team promoted as play-off winners to qualify for Europe since Ipswich Town in 2001. But the Tractor Boys were relegated the following season and the Black Cats risk following suit unless Le Bris can address their problems at both ends.
Gossip: Le Bris to be given January cashpublished at 07:33 GMT 3 November
07:33 GMT 3 November
Sunderland will give manager Regis le Bris the funds to make signings in the January transfer window to turn around the club's fortunes. (The I - subscription required), external
What's going wrong at Sunderland?published at 14:28 GMT 2 November
14:28 GMT 2 November
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Following Sunderland's 3-1 defeat to Coventry, concerns are growing over the Black Cats' form, with fan Eleanor McCabe describing the performance as "appalling".
Sunderland are now winless in seven Premier League games and have failed to keep a clean sheet away from home all season.
Rob: We will have to play against better defences than Sunderland. Scored three times from four chances and will need to create more chances against superior opponents. Nevertheless, I can celebrate the result.
Frazer: Frank Lampard showed courage and leadership by making four changes from the Fulham game, especially benching Matt Grimes and starting Tatsuhiro Sakamoto. It tells the squad you play on merit and that will generate the competition for places and performances, which can only be a good thing.
Stanley: Fantastic performance from the whole team. Jack Rudoni, Sakamoto and Stephen Mfuni were excellent. If we play like this every week then we might just survive.
Des: Getting the first goal calmed the side and they played with pace and confidence. There was none of the negative sideways and backwards passing seen in the last home game against Fulham. The supporters have been crying out for a change in midfield and it worked. A few players are Championship level and should move on in the January window.
Sunderland fans
Rhum: Another woeful display littered with errors and frustration, leading to yet another embarrassing defeat and another red card.
June: I feel our manager is a godsend. He did miracles last season and through injuries we now have a depleted team. This is not the manager's fault - we had a great team and we need time to repair and build confidence. Bottom of the table isn't a position we deserve. Let's trust the lads to lift us up and we can steady the ship with a few good results. I predict we will be mid-table in a few months and playing European games can sometimes pull on the league standing. We will survive. We have a great manager... let him continue!
Colin: A team that doesn't seem to care about the club or the fans. A coach who is absolutely clueless. A director of football who needs to be sacked with immediate effect. And finally, I question the decisions of the owner. But having supported this club for over 60 years, nothing surprises me any more. Championship here we come.
Kevin: Last year, we didn't know how to lose. This year, we don't know how to win.
'Killed' by mistakes - Xhakapublished at 11:08 GMT 2 November
11:08 GMT 2 November
Image source, Getty Images
Granit Xhaka has called on Sunderland to cut out their costly mistakes following their defeat to Coventry City, admitting the Black Cats are making life difficult for themselves.
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle's Nick Barnes after the game, the Sunderland captain questioned whether the repeated errors were down to a mental issue, insisting they were costing the team valuable points.
He said: "You go on the pitch thinking about not making a mistake and then it happens. It's not like the opponents are killing us. If every game we concede goals, we don't have a chance to win."
Xhaka was keen to dismiss suggestions that a lack of effort or problems within the dressing room were behind Sunderland's struggles, but warned that the mistakes needed to stop.
He added: "The players and the coach are not the problem. We have a very good feeling and we know what we want to do. We are prepared. But it's up to us and if we're not doing things after training all week, mistakes are killing us at the moment."
Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett was also critical of the performance, suggesting the Black Cats were second best throughout and failed to create enough going forward.
He said: "We were second best. There's a lot of worrying points for me that's come out of that game. You can't argue about the effort but we just seem second best all over the park. Coventry wanted it more than us, they had better movement. We didn't work the goalkeeper."
Bennett also questioned whether head coach Regis le Bris is now under pressure, insisting results would ultimately determine his future.
He added: "Of course he is, it's all about results, it's as simple as that. We were on the path to getting a performance here but we've gone back to square one."
European wins, but at a cost for Sunderland?published at 09:48 GMT 2 November
09:48 GMT 2 November
Chris McKenna BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Last season's surprise package following promotion are now one of this campaign's strugglers.
Sunderland may be mixing it with illustrious big guns in the Europa League, but they are staring down the barrel of a relegation fight on the domestic front.
Their 3-1 defeat by Coventry City on Saturday has kept Regis le Bris' side rock bottom of the table after nine games.
Yet in Europe, all is well for the Black Cats.
They are ninth in that table, with only goal difference keeping them out of the top eight and a passage directly to the last 16. They have two wins and a draw from their three games.
And in the Carabao Cup, a 3-2 win over Brentford in midweek has set up a quarter-final against fellow Premier League strugglers Crystal Palace.
But they have picked up just a point in their three league games that have followed European outings this season, while this defeat against Coventry came on the back of the midweek cup victory.
"They [the players] own the reality of the club, this dynamic, we are growing fast," said Sunderland boss Le Bris. "We are exposed this season with this busy schedule. It's really demanding.
"Is it unexpected? I don't think so. Many clubs last year experienced exactly the same situation. First year in Europe, you know you will have on average 10 fewer points. It's our reality.
"Does it mean we are happy? Absolutely not. We have to get better. We have to play better than we did in the first half. It's hard to be not able to play our football with confidence, with the ability to be ourselves."
