Ex-Sunderland employee reveals how close Regis Le Bris is to the sack

Le Bris has two games—Europa League vs Dinamo Zagreb and Premier League vs Chelsea—to save his job, with the board expected to make a decision after the international break.

Regis Le Bris' position at Sunderland is under serious threat after a nightmare start to the Premier League season. The Black Cats sit bottom of the table after nine games, and a 3-1 defeat to newly-promoted Coventry City at the weekend has intensified pressure on the manager.

Former Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Le Bris may have just two matches to turn things around: the Europa League clash against Dinamo Zagreb and a Premier League fixture against Chelsea, both at the Stadium of Light. Brown expects the board to make a decision on the manager's future after the upcoming international break if results do not improve.

While Le Bris has lost credit due to poor league form, injuries to key players Brian Brobbey and Dan Ballard have compounded his difficulties. Brobbey returned against Coventry but had little impact, while Ballard remains sidelined. Brown acknowledged that getting both players back fit could help turn things around, but suggested the board may not afford Le Bris that luxury. However, the manager retains the backing of his players, with defender Nordi Mukiele's recent honest assessment of the team's shortcomings described as refreshing and potentially easing some pressure on the position.