Le Bris on transfer window, upcoming Europa League and facing Brentford

Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Saturday’s Premier League game against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Le Bris confirmed Habib Diarra will be sidelined for around six to eight weeks with a hamstring injury: “It’s frustrating, but we have to manage it and we will find solutions… It’s a shame because I was so pleased with his pre-season and he’s getting more mature about his game, about clarity on the pitch, about his qualities and how they fit with the demand of the Premier League.”

• On Sunderland’s transfer window: “We ticked our three boxes. The first one with Kevin Danso and Thomas Meunier – top level experience. The second one with Malick Fofana and Dayann Methalie – young with proven experience. The third one is for the huge potential prospects with Juan Riquelme Angulo and Jules Ahoka. We have to manage the different positions because it’s already a big challenge. In the end, we are happy.”
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• On a potential move for Chemsdine Talbi to Turkey: “A move remains possible so it’s important to respect both parties. We’ll see. He’s still a good player, huge potential, but after that you still have a window to decide if it’s the right pathway here. I believe he can succeed here, but after that, it’s a question of mutual confidence and you have to respect the player’s choice.”

• On new signing Angulo’s role in the squad: “He will fill this third striker position.” The Black Cats boss added: “I think it’s important to match the demand of this position. You have to be an underdog, be patient, but also with the potential to play because it’s important across the different competitions we will have.”

• He feels his side “need big challenges” like when they faced Brentford last season. “It was painful,” Le Bris said of his side’s 3-0 defeat to the Bees last campaign, adding: “They were intense, well-organised, consistent. They have a clear identity. With their new signings, they’ve added an ability to play through. It’s going to be an exciting challenge.”

• On the depth the club has with European football approaching: “At the minute, I am happy. We will have 22, 23 players, depending on injuries. If they are available, everyone will feel a part of the team and the project and I think it’s important to manage the energy.”

Le Bris confirmed Habib Diarra will be sidelined for around six to eight weeks with a hamstring injury: “It’s frustrating, but we have to manage it and we will find solutions… It’s a shame because I was so pleased with his pre-season and he’s getting more mature about his game, about clarity on the pitch, about his qualities and how they fit with the demand of the Premier League.”

On Sunderland’s transfer window: “We ticked our three boxes. The first one with Kevin Danso and Thomas Meunier – top level experience. The second one with Malick Fofana and Dayann Methalie – young with proven experience. The third one is for the huge potential prospects with Juan Riquelme Angulo and Jules Ahoka. We have to manage the different positions because it’s already a big challenge. In the end, we are happy.”

On a potential move for Chemsdine Talbi to Turkey: “A move remains possible so it’s important to respect both parties. We’ll see. He’s still a good player, huge potential, but after that you still have a window to decide if it’s the right pathway here. I believe he can succeed here, but after that, it’s a question of mutual confidence and you have to respect the player’s choice.”

On new signing Angulo’s role in the squad: “He will fill this third striker position.” The Black Cats boss added: “I think it’s important to match the demand of this position. You have to be an underdog, be patient, but also with the potential to play because it’s important across the different competitions we will have.”

He feels his side “need big challenges” like when they faced Brentford last season. “It was painful,” Le Bris said of his side’s 3-0 defeat to the Bees last campaign, adding: “They were intense, well-organised, consistent. They have a clear identity. With their new signings, they’ve added an ability to play through. It’s going to be an exciting challenge.”

On the depth the club has with European football approaching: “At the minute, I am happy. We will have 22, 23 players, depending on injuries. If they are available, everyone will feel a part of the team and the project and I think it’s important to manage the energy.”