Regis Le Bris has said it is a privilege to take charge of Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear Derby against Newcastle this weekend.
The North East rivals will meet in the Premier League for the first time in almost a decade this weekend, when Sunderland host Newcastle at The Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have enjoyed a fine start to their Premier League return, and sit in the league’s top half after 14 games. The Black Cats are two places and two points above Newcastle in the table.
Sunderland are unbeaten on home soil in the league this season and Le Bris is expected another intimidating atmosphere for Newcastle’s visit.
“We are playing Newcastle at home, so it’s a privilege. We are so happy to live this experience at Stadium of Light against one of the best rival in the league,” he said at his pre-match press conference.
“At home, we have this advantage, and we have to take the most of it. So it will be important as usual. We play with this energy, and this extra energy can help the project.
“We had good experiences at the Stadium of Light this season. It was loud, and I expect that it will be louder against Newcastle. So far, the players use this energy really well, to raise the momentum, to push, to change the dynamic of the game, what was needed. So I hope will be the case once again.
“The players are aware of the situation. But when you are on the pitch and you feel this energy, I can say that for us and for the opponent, the effect is massive. Very massive.”
