Sunderland have enjoyed a solid return to the Premier League following their promotion from the Championship last season. However, reports suggest that the Black Cats’ French boss Regis Le Bris could lose his job if the north east outfit doesn’t qualify for Europe.
Still in contention for Europe
Sunderland are currently in 11th place in the Premier League table, just four points outside of the league’s top six. However, due to various factors, the league’s top nine could be playing continental football next season.
The middle of the Premier League table is so tight, with four points between seventh-place and 12th, with the Black Cats just three points from seventh-place, which will be one of the European berths.
Like most newly promoted clubs, Sunderland’s priority will have been to preserve their Premier League status. Their strong campaign has surprised many, and they are in a healthy position in the league.
Sunderland made the Stadium of Light a fortress in the early part of the season, not suffering a home league defeat until February, when they were beaten 1-0 by reigning champions Liverpool.
Since then, they have only suffered two home defeats against mid-table rivals Fulham and another potential rival for the European spots, Brighton & Hove Albion.
Le Bris position in question
Le Bris is in his second season in charge of the north east club. In his first season at the helm, he helped Sunderland back to the top-flight of English football via winning the play-offs. Promotion was a big achievement, as the club had not featured in the Premier League in eight years.
Despite guiding the Black Cats to promotion and a steady first campaign back in England’s top division, the Sunderland hierarchy has not ruled out replacing Le Bris at the end of the season. The move would surprise many, given his performance over his two close-to-two seasons in charge.