Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris is looking to end the club’s long-standing winless streak at the Etihad Stadium when his team faces Manchester City today. Sunderland have not won at the Etihad since their days at Maine Road, with their last victory in Manchester occurring nearly 29 years ago in January 1998. The upcoming match marks their 15th visit to the stadium without a win.
Le Bris expressed optimism following recent results, highlighting Sunderland’s strong performances in both domestic and European competitions. The team pushed Arsenal closely in a Premier League match last weekend and secured a 1-0 win over Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League at the Stadium of Light midweek — their first European victory in 53 years.
“We have to be happy to have a week of games like the ones we’re having right now. I think we’ve earned it,” Le Bris said. “Arsenal, AZ and now Manchester City. I think as a team we’re getting better game by game. We’re working hard and we don’t set limits. We’re creating something impressive, I think.”
Le Bris is expected to rotate his squad for the game against Manchester City, with striker Brian Brobbey and defender Dan Ballard likely to return to the starting lineup after featuring as substitutes in midweek. Defender Reinildo Mandava is unavailable due to suspension. Having recently reached a milestone as the first Sunderland manager to oversee 100 league games since Roy Keane 18 years ago, Le Bris emphasized the importance of adaptability and squad depth.
“We made four changes for AZ Alkmaar and we have the option to make more against Manchester City,” Le Bris noted. “We’ll need our subs to finish the game too. That’s the reality of this level. The team is getting better in different areas of the game so we will be competitive and try our best.”
Le Bris stressed the focus is on Sunderland’s own play rather than their opponent’s strengths. “It’s better to focus on us and how we can manage their threat and create our own threat as well. We’re getting better in that area. We are learning all of the time, creating more chances than ever – which is really positive – and it’s just a question of time.”
As Sunderland prepare to face a strong Manchester City side, Le Bris remains confident that ongoing improvements and tactical adjustments will help the team overcome their historical challenges at the Etihad.