Regis Le Bris let the dust settle before he sat his players down for the inquest into what went wrong at West Ham last week.
The Sunderland squad had a couple of days off after the disappointing 3-1 defeat at the London Stadium before returning to the Academy of Light determined to put things right.
It was Friday morning when Le Bris gathered his entire squad and staff in one of the video rooms at the club’s training base for a thorough review of the poor showing in the capital.
The conclusions drawn?
“It was about intensity,” said Le Bris.
“We were well-organised. We we had time to go into a full analysis, a deep analysis. Well-organised but without intensity.
“Our defensive third and our offensive third were weak because of the intensity, intentions, aggressiveness and so on.
“So this question is important because in one way you have to protect your house, your goal. And in another way, you have to take risks. And we didn’t find this balance against West Ham. And they had a must-win mindset. It wasn’t the case for us.”
Le Bris admits Sunderland must improve on the road – it’s now seven games without a win away from home.
“It’s a key point, I agree,” said the head coach.
“Numbers are numbers. We probably have to reinforce and mindset and resilience away.”
But there are no such concerns at the Stadium of Light, where the Black Cats are yet to taste defeat this season. They’re the only unbeaten home side in the Premier League this season.
“It shows the strong connection we have with our fans and our place,” said Le Bris.
“It shows we have a strength, which is a key factor. If we lose a game – and it’s still possible – it doesn’t mean we’ll lose this X Factor.
“The most important thing is this connection, the strength we have, the belief, the responsibility as well. At home we always show this connection and energy.”
Burnley head for Wearside 19th in the standings but they’re unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions and and have drawn against Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham.
Le Bris said: “Burnley are struggling in the table, but they are doing well. It has probably been a lack of efficiency. They can build from the back or go direct, and they have a good high press.”
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