Sunderland manager, Regis Le Bris praised his team for their “togetherness” in a 3-0 victory over West Ham at home.
Second-half headers from Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard and an injury-time strike from Wilson Isidor saw Sunderland cruise past Graham Potter’s Hammers, which marked their biggest opening-weekend victory since a 4-1 away win at Millwall in August 1974.
Le Bris post-match spoke to safc.com of his pride at the club’s successful result on their return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence, as he praised every part of the club for forming the connections needed to get the result.
“I am happy for the Club, for the organisation, the players and our fans. Being back in the Premier League is important, and having that connection with the supporters today in the stands was really impressive.”
The Frenchman however acknowledged that patience was a virtue after a strong start from West Ham who haven’t dropped out of the top flight since they regained promotion in 2012, but credited his players for hanging on in there throughout the first half.
“West Ham started the game well, as they are probably the more experienced side.
“We were a bit shy in the first half because we needed time to connect with this level. We’ve made a lot of changes during pre-season, so we need time. It was a little bit better in the second half after we made some adjustments.
“After that, the energy of the squad and the togetherness was good, and we found the solutions,” continued Le Bris as he commended his players for stepping up under the enormousness of the occasion and delivering the same qualities which got them promoted.
“It is important, first of all, that the players showed they could step up. It is only one game, but they did well. They are here to help pass on our identity to the new players.
“We want to keep the same strengths we had last season – our togetherness and the way we defend as a team.
“This intensity in our game is important, and these players already have those qualities inside them.”
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