Sunderland boss Le Bris relishing Brighton clash as Habib Diarra nears return

[p]The [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/sunderland/WSzc94ws/"]Black Cats[/a] welcome Fabian Hurzeler's side to Wearside as they return to action following the international break.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/brighton/2XrRecc3/"]Brighton[/a] head into the game in impressive form, having won both the Premier League Player and Manager of the Month awards.[/p][p]The Frenchman believes the international break gave his players time to rest and prepare for a busy run of fixtures; however, he is aware of the challenge the Seagulls will pose and wants his team to be ready for [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/brighton-2XrRecc3/sunderland-WSzc94ws/?mid=Qw1VY6lB"]the encounter.[/a][/p][p][b]"We tried to make the most of the international break - it enabled us to think deeper and a bit differently," [/b]said Le Bris.[/p][p][b]"They are good; they won Player and Manager of the Month, which was very well deserved.[/b][/p][p][b]"They are really well coached, with good energy, good on the ball and a high press. We like this challenge. This is the Premier League, it is relentless, and we enjoy it."[/b][/p][embed guid="9f5f2e8c-cb1d-436b-bc16-c5c81167efdc" url="https://x.com/SunderlandAFC/status/2108509025142735282" social-type="twitter" /][p]Sunderland sit 14th in the Premier League table with four points from their opening five matches of the 2026/27 season.[/p][p]With the Black Cats competing in both domestic and European competitions, Le Bris stressed the need to make full use of his squad as the season progresses.[/p][p]He also highlighted areas where his team must improve, despite his side creating several goalscoring chances in recent matches.[/p][p][b]"The consistency of our performances will be key. We need more than 11 players to achieve good results; that’s obvious,"[/b] he added.[/p][p][b]"We want to utilise the full squad, but it’s going to be organic. We have to manage a demanding schedule, but we are really excited.[/b][/p][p][b]"We are creating lots of chances, but we have room for improvement in different areas.[/b][/p][p][b]"We have to make a few adjustments to be less exposed, for example, and I hope it’s going to help the next stage. [/b][/p][p]"We know where we need to improve to get better. It’s about our daily standards and our accountability to be better every day."[/p][embed guid="1ea43dcb-ceb8-4d73-9dd4-396f23c72fa2" url="https://x.com/SunderlandAFC/status/2108543044572311565" social-type="twitter" /][h2]Le Bris gives Diarra fitness update[/h2][p]Senegal international [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/diarra-habib/nFakLd1E/"]Habib Diarra[/a] is among the Sunderland players whose fitness has been addressed ahead of Saturday’s Premier League outing.[/p][p]Le Bris also provided updates on defenders [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/ballard-daniel/b7is4eSG/"]Dan Ballard[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/brobbey-brian/pfAvgQUT/"]Brian Brobbey[/a], who suffered injuries while representing their countries during the international break.[/p][p][b]"Habib is really close and in a good place. In around one week, he will be fully available,"[/b] the Frenchman said.[/p][p][b]"For Ballard, it is a medium-term injury - probably a few weeks. It’s a shame because he was in a very good place.[/b][/p][p][b]"It’s going to be short-term for Brian. We were a bit worried, but after the game, Brian wasn’t too worried. Thankfully it’s not serious, but we won’t take risks."[/b][/p][infobox id="02b45e73-9abc-454d-882a-650a1a621f7d" /]