Regis Le Bris demands ‘shift’ from Sunderland ahead of play-offs after ‘disappointing’ loss, it is needed

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Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has sacrificed momentum for rotation ahead of the play-offs, and their form has suffered with three defeats in five games.

Sunderland’s 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers on Easter Monday was the latest bump in the road to their play-off destination.

The Black Cats dominated more of the ball but once again lacked the cutting edge or killer instinct to carve the visitors open, which meant they suffered a third loss in five outings with the Championship play-offs only weeks away.

Sunderland have stuttered in recent weeks, but now after three losses on the spin, Regis Le Bris’ side have gone into full-steam reverse having already confirmed their play-off place.

After the Rovers loss, Le Bris issued a stern demand for his players with the play-off campaign looming.

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Regis Le Bris demands mindset shift from Sunderland players

Sunderland’s performances of late have mirrored Le Bris’ decision to rest key players at the behest of momentum to ensure he has a fully-fit squad for the upcoming play-off campaign.

Jobe Bellingham and Enzo Le Fee have seen their gametime managed carefully with captain Dan Neil rested against Blackburn.

However, after a barren run of form, Le Bris has revealed there will be a ‘switch in mindset’ for the last two games, after supporters left the Stadium of Light on Monday afternoon having bared witnessed to another lifeless display.

Le Bris told SAFC.com: “I’m disappointed with the result. The performance and energy were okay, but not enough to score. We dominated Blackburn, but sometimes football is like that.

“We’ve tried to manage the squad to ensure we have more fit players for the Play-Offs.

“Now, we have to switch into play-off mode with a different mindset. We need to add that extra energy and the mindset that will make the difference.”

The Black Cats boss admitted there has been a method to the selection madness, drafting in the likes of Joe Anderson for his first start and handing academy graduate Harrison Jones only for his second, but the time for roulette rotation is now over.

Le Bris added: “This recent period has been useful to refresh the squad, but that phase is done.

“Now we have one game a week, and the message for everyone is clear – we need to shift into a different mindset.

“These last two games will be tight, and every detail will matter. We have to build that mindset and energy starting now.”

Sunderland’s mentality shift is necessary to remind supporters, and their play-off opponents, their intent at promotion after three subpar showings.

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Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland risk must now pay dividends in play-offs

Le Bris has made a pragmatic, clinical and cold managerial decision to rest key players and start weakened line-ups since Sunderland’s play-off place was mathematically confirmed.

Loyal, paying fans have turned up to the Stadium of Light in their droves to watch substandard performances, only weeks out from the biggest month of the club’s recent history.

Rest, rotation and pragmatism have been the tactics employed by Le Bris to ensure the bigger picture of play-offs glory is still in the frame. However, Sunderland’s form has been heading south at a rate of knots, at precisely the worst moment.

Only time will tell next month whether Le Bris has made the right decision, because form and performance can’t be turned on and off like a light switch, and Sunderland’s season is at risk of blacking out altogether.

Sunderland’s recent form in the play-offs does not fill confidence in their season-defining campaign ahead. A shift in mindset, performances and selection are now the only beacons of light left for the Black Cats’ aspirations of play-off glory.