Sunderland boss urges fans to 'manage expectations'

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has urged fans to "manage expectations" for the remaining games of the Championship season.

Some have voiced concern about the The Black Cats' recent results following a bore draw against Norwich City and a 1-0 defeat at home to Swansea City.

"At this stage of the season we have to be really proud of the team," Le Bris told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"I think it's a really good reminder because we have 76 points so far.

"I think it shows that team did very well. It's a little bit of a strange period because we worked this season with a small group due to many injuries, for example, and now to be competitive in this part of the season we need fresh bodies."

The Frenchman has stressed the importance of managing players' fitness in the run-up to the play-offs.

"We need fresh heads so it's important to manage the squad, to rotate the players, to give opportunities for young players," he added.

"I think they deserve it because they have worked well and they need support through this period.

"At the same time for the others, we need to manage their bodies to avoid rushing the process for their recovery."

Le Bris named Jobe Bellingham, Dan Ballard and Leo Hjelde as examples of players whose workload has needed to be managed recently but admitted that results and performances have suffered.

"The consequences are the results and probably the output, because the games we played, maybe the last two or three games, we were not as good as expected probably, but at the same time are still fourth.

"The play-offs are secured and it's another stage of the season. I can understand the reaction because the fans and supporters always want to win and it's fair. No problem with that.

"At the same time now, our main objective is clearly the two games in the play-offs and we have to be ready for these fixtures."

When BBC Radio Newcastle's commentator Nick Barnes asked Le Bris if he would urge the fans to be patient, he said: "If it's possible.

"If it's not possible they can be disappointed. No problem. I can respect that, but at the same time it's important maybe to step back to look around the full season and to understand that this stage is different.

"We still have the youngest team in the league, made the fewest substitutions, and we are in a good place. So manage expectations."

You can listen to more from Regis Le Bris on BBC Sounds.