'Regis Le Bris, take a bow' - Bennett
- Published
Sunderland legend Gary Bennett has praised Regis Le Bris for a tactical masterclass in the Black Cats' 2-1 play-off win against Coventry.
The Frenchman has come under fire for a poor run of results at the end of the regular Championship season but has stayed calm in press conferences and assured in his approach. He made surprise tactical changes that paid off as his side won the semi-final first leg.
Bennett, a match summariser for BBC Radio Newcastle, said Le Bris should "take a bow" as the full-time whistle blew.
He added: "The players were fantastic. (Eliezer) Mayenda, excellent goal. Wilson Isidor, what a professional performance that was tonight.
"Coventry can't complain about that. But saying that, how well did we defend?"
After securing play-off qualification early, Le Bris has been rotating his side, which drew criticism from fans and pundits. But Bennett thinks he proved his critics wrong.
The former Sunderland captain said: "You look back now and you're thinking resting them players when he has done has worked, because they have put a shift in."
Bennett's broadcast partner Nick Barnes added: "Regis Le Bris, trust in Regis Le Bris, he knew what he was doing.
"He has consistently maintained that his team could do what they have done tonight."