Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris has praised the crucial leadership role of captain Granit Xhaka.
This comes ahead of Monday’s Premier League match against Everton. Le Bris described the Swiss midfielder as a key factor in managing the team’s performance from the pitch.
During his press conference, Le Bris emphasized the importance of players taking ownership during matches. He specifically credited Xhaka for leading this effort at the Stadium of Light.
Le Bris calls ‘leader’ Xhaka the key to Sunderland’s rise
Le Bris explained that to be competitive at this level, players must “own the performance on the field.” The French coach emphasized how Xhaka deals with different elements during a match. He noted that while the 32-year-old is not alone in this responsibility, “he leads by example.”
Furthermore, Le Bris revealed that Xhaka’s influence extends beyond just tactical adjustments. He also provides essential beliefs and motivation.
For example, the manager said that before the win over Chelsea, Xhaka’s belief was clear. He showed up and told the team “in the locker room, everywhere” that they could win. This, Le Bris noted, makes other players want to follow his lead.
Giving players more power over sideline control
The Sunderland boss also explained his coaching philosophy. It’s about dividing responsibility rather than maintaining constant side control. “As a coach you don’t want to be the protagonist,” said Le Bris. “For me, it’s not my goal.”
Instead, he wants to “give knowledge, power (and) responsibility to the team.” He added that players have to manage the game in real time, which coaches cannot do from the sidelines.
Le Bris confirmed that other players besides Xhaka are also capable of dealing with these ‘micro situations’. This collective ability helps the newly promoted team improve their level of competition.
Xhaka joined Sunderland in July. He has already scored three assists and created four big chances in nine league matches. This has seen Sunderland rise to sixth place ahead of Monday’s match against Everton.
Read: Where are they now? Manchester City’s winning team in the 2020 Youth Cup
See more- Noughties Nostalgia: When Peter Reid’s Sunderland challenged Europe
Subscribe to our social channels:
Facebook | Instagram | Tweet | YouTube
#Bris #calls #leader #Xhaka #key #Sunderlands #rise