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Sunderland are heading into the final four Championship league fixtures with a play-off place already guaranteed.
Sunderland find themselves in an odd situation with very little to play for during their final four looming Championship fixtures, with those around them fighting for automatic promotion and play-off places.
Regis Le Bris’ side head to Bristol City on Good Friday with a play-off place guaranteed, with those above them fighting for the title and a handful below battling for the final two top-six slots.
Sunderland have “stuttered” over recent weeks, scoring just two goals in their latest five games, fans have been divided over how Le Bris should approach their inconsequential visit to Liam Manning’s side.
Ahead of the Championship clash at Bristol City, Le Bris wants Sunderland fans to look at the bigger picture, revealing the Sunderland strategy as their league campaign curtails.
Regis Le Bris’ ‘reminder’ for Sunderland fans ahead of Championship play-offs
Sunderland’s downturn in form since the turn of the year, combined with the title-chasing trio gaining ground, has left the Black Cats in a state of limbo.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LeedsLeeds | 42 | 25 | 13 | 4 | 82 | 29 | 53 | 88 |
| 2 |  BurnleyBurnley | 42 | 24 | 16 | 2 | 57 | 13 | 44 | 88 |
| 3 |  Sheff UtdSheffield Utd | 42 | 26 | 7 | 9 | 57 | 33 | 24 | 83 |
| 4 |  SunderlandSunderland | 42 | 21 | 13 | 8 | 57 | 38 | 19 | 76 |
| 5 |  Bristol CityBristol City | 42 | 16 | 16 | 10 | 54 | 45 | 9 | 64 |
| 6 |  CoventryCoventry | 42 | 18 | 9 | 15 | 59 | 54 | 5 | 63 |
A far cry from their early season form that saw them scorch to the summit but 13 points above sixth place. Sunderland fans can be forgiven for forgetting how impressive the Black Cats have been, considering Le Bris’ side have taken only six points from their previous five outings.
Ahead of Friday’s trip to Bristol City, the Sunderland head coach moved to reinstall some belief into the supporters with the play-off campaign looming.
Le Bris told his pre-Bristol City press conference: “I think at this stage of the season, we have to be really proud of the team.
“I think it’s a really good reminder because with 76 points so far, I think it shows that the team did very well.
“The games we played, maybe the last two or three games, were not as good as expected, probably. But at the same time, we still fought. The play-offs are secured. It’s another stage of the season.”
After the Swansea loss, Sunderland fans stated Roma loanee Enzo Le Fee is their ‘only hope’ in the play-offs, with that sentiment symptomatic of the Black Cats’ dwindling performance levels.
With the mood on Wearside waning after two turgid displays against Norwich and Swansea, Le Bris added: “I can understand the reaction because the fans and supporters always want to win.”
Regis Le Bris wants Sunderland fans to be ‘patient’ ahead of Championship play-offs
Le Bris has made clear Sunderland’s next four league fixtures are more so concerned with the squad being healthy heading into the play-offs despite their lacklustre run of late.
Le Fee, Jobe Bellingham and a handful of other first-choice stars are working their way back from injuries and the Sunderland boss is content to sacrifice points in the remaining league fixtures if it means boding a fully-fit squad for the semi-finals.
When asked by the press if he wants fans to be patient, Le Bris explained: “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 to maybe step back and to look around the full season. And to understand that stage, which is different, I think.”
Le Bris has learned from the injury woes which hampered Tony Mowbray’s Sunderland play-off semi final side, and is plying not to repeat the selection issues that saw Mowbray forced to play Patrick Roberts at right-back.
The Frenchman will, however, be hoping to go one better than his predecessor by getting past the play-off semi finals and booking a Wembley showpiece.