Inside Regis Le Bris' first meeting with Sunderland players

The general mood in camp has transformed from a fortnight ago, with quiet optimism creeping back in ahead of the new season.

The French head coach didn't make any grand claims of aiming for promotion this season, reiterating he was still getting used to his surroundings, the Academy of Light environment, staff and players.

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One familiar face from his time in Lorient, is French playmaker Adil Aouchiche. There was suggestions of a fallout between the two during their time at the Stade du Moustoir, but that's since been quashed.

When asked if he'd spoken with Aouchiche on a one-to-one basis for an insight into the Sunderland dressing room, Le Bris told We Are Sunderland: "I haven't had deep conversations with any of the players at the moment. I will have these types of conversations at the end of the week and next week.

"Adil, like me, we've had many experiences since our work together at Lorient. It'll be very interesting to see him in the next game and try to understand how he has evolved during this period. We'll see if he can be an interesting player for the team."

Le Bris made it clear, the first few training sessions will be about implementing his style-of-play, hinting at a high press, attacking game plan, but also referenced the need to be practical from game to game.

Sunderland players in pre-season training at the Academy of Light. (Image: We Are Sunderland)

He kept his cards close to his chest regarding specific roles for the likes of Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, but that'll likely become clearer once we've seen the first couple of friendlies.

It was refreshing to see Le Bris' personality come out during his first meeting with the press, not afraid to mention his feeling of anxiousness as he delivered his first full speech in English with the players.

"The first one was to introduce myself," Le Bris added when asked about speaking with the group. "My first full speech in English - oof I was a little bit anxious. Just introduce myself, my methodology in a few words.

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"Then today we talked about the game model and how we want to play as Sunderland. If we are clear on the principles, if we are clear on the tasks the players need to master, then it'll give them huge confidence as a team, as a player because they know what's expected from the coach, and the game is simple.

"Also, what are the tasks of the other players, once this part of knowledge is done, we have a better confidence to deal with the unpredictability of the game. We'll have many different opponents, many different scenarios and events in the game. If we build this base, we could perform better after.

"This was our first meeting and now we have to practise. The next few training sessions are to implement this."