Arca believes in Le Bris' end of season approach
- Published
Former Sunderland midfielder Julio Arca says he "believes in" Regis Le Bris' divisive approach to the end of the Championship season.
Having qualified for the play-offs earlier this month, other results going the Black Cats' way meant they officially secured fourth place on Monday despite the 1-0 loss to Blackburn Rovers.
It has been widely expected for months that fourth would be Sunderland's finishing position in the league table having been there since November.
As a result of his side's safe status, Le Bris has picked a rotated line-up managing the minutes of star players such as Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg, Enzo Le Fee, Dan Neil and Patrick Roberts.
But with four losses and a draw in their last five games, some fans have grown disgruntled by poor performances and results.
"If you look at the manager's side what he's trying to do is save players legs to try to keep everyone as fit as he can to try approach the most important part of the season which is the play-offs," Arca told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"I understand the fans point of view but I believe in what the manager is doing. Changing players around is for a reason. Obviously if that reason works out in the right way it's great but if not then there's the other side as well.
"It's a strange position to be in but at the same time obviously it's a good position.
"That's the reason why it's good to understand what the manager is doing. We're here. We cannot go any higher. We're not going to go any lower.
"We need to prepare in the right way for what's coming and that's the reason I believe he's doing what he's doing."