Sunderland Head Coach Régis Le Bris has made clear that his young players will learn and improve from recent missed chances in the top flight.
Noah Sadiki failed to score despite being one-on-one with Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens during the Black Cats’ goalless draw on Saturday at the Stadium of Light.
Three weeks prior, Habib Diarra saw an effort saved in a similar situation away at Aston Villa, where a goal would have likely won the match for Sunderland. Instead, Villa went on to score a winner moments later.
Following the draw with the Red Devils, Le Bris said that taking opportunities of that nature comes down to “instinct”, but added that work can be done to help improve that split-second decision making.
“You have to work more before to adjust the decisions in a short period of time like this”, Le Bris explained.
However, Le Bris was quick to point out the respective ages of those two midfielders who squandered their chances. “Habib is 22, Noah is 21. [This is their] first season in the Premier League, so they need to experience difficult situations to be frustrated.”
He continued, “then they will go on the training pitch during the week with extra motivation to develop these skills.”
When it comes to scoring, Sunderland have had their struggles this season. Sadiki and Diarra are not alone in lacking cutting edge in front of goal, with none of the Black Cats’ squad demonstrating the ability to be consistently clinical.
It is therefore likely that Sunderland will look to improve their striking options ahead of next season, with some of their current forwards perhaps set to depart the club during the summer. Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda have not enjoyed too many minutes since Brian Brobbey became the first choice striker, and one or both could be on their way.
Le Bris is continuing to keep his cards close to his chest regarding incomings and outgoings, but did admit that this season, despite the lack of goals, has been “a good platform for the future”.
“Now it’s a question of adjustment. Stability will be key. We want to be stable and if we can add three or four adjustments, it will be helpful”, he said, highlighting that the upcoming summer transfer window will not be as transformational as the previous one.
Le Bris believes that the core of his team is there, and given their youthful determination, will continue to develop, and that it is now a case of polishing the edges to make Sunderland a more well-rounded and potent team, especially in attack.
