Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has turned the limelight onto others following his Premier League Manager of the Season nomination.
Earlier this week, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris was nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Season award for his exploits this season.
In just his second campaign as Black Cats boss, and in English football altogether, Le Bris has gone even better than last term’s Championship play-off final win feat by cementing Sunderland as a mid-table top flight side.
Despite several new signings, and his inexperience in the Premier League, the Frenchman’s astute coaching acumen has ensured Sunderland have never had to fear relegation, and given the fans a year to remember.
Le Bris is a calm and collected head coach, never one for the limelight, and his comments following his nomination highlight the humble nature of the Sunderland manager.
Regis Le Bris praises others after Manager of Season nomination
The Sunderland boss found himself in esteemed company in the upcoming end-of-season awards, with the likes of Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola also nominated.
Given that Sunderland are still in contention for a finish in the European places heading into Sunday’s trip to Everton and the final-day visit of Chelsea, Le Bris has more than justified his nomination, especially as many on-lookers tipped the Black Cats to be instantly demoted back to the second tier this season.
Sunderland supporters are blessed with quality individuals in every footballing department, from the playing squad, back room staff and at boardroom level.
However, the nucleus and connective tissue to the Stadium of Light is the softly-spoken Frenchman, who showed his humbleness when reacting to his award nomination.
In his pre-Everton press conference, Le Bris said in light of the recognition: "Yeah, (I am) really proud. For me, the club, the staff, and the players obviously because it’s a collective achievement.
"No matter the result at the end it highlights once again the quality of the group and the season overall.
"The Premier League is a rollercoaster with highs and lows, but at the end of the season, this kind of recognition is really important for us.
"It highlights the success of the Club. It's progression. At the end of the campaign, I may spend a small time reflecting on the development."
Regis Le Bris previews Sunderland’s trip to Everton
Heading into the trip to the Toffees, Le Bris’ Sunderland side sit 12th in the table after 36 games, winning 12, drawing 12 and losing 12.
Ex-Sunderland boss David Moyes will be hoping for victory over his former side on Sunday, with his Everton team also still in the fight for European places as the 2025/26 Premier League campaign nears its conclusion.
Sunderland were victorious in the last meeting between the two sides, in the penalty shoot-out win in the FA Cup earlier this year, and John Brooks has been appointed as the referee for Sunday's fixture despite his controversial penalty decision in that last meeting.
Therefore, the Black Cats boss is well aware of the threats Everton possess, and is expecting a difficult test this weekend.
On Everton, Le Bris added: “This will be a tough game. They have an experienced manager.
“They carry threats in the transitions. We're prepared and looking forward to the weekend.”
On the injury front, right-winger Bertrand Traore, who is out-of-contract this summer, is back in the mix to return to the Sunderland squad for Sunday, after returning to training recently following a knee injury.