Sunderland vs Coventry City: Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris calls on fans to make the difference

Regis Le Bris has urged Sunderland supporters to create a special atmosphere at the Stadium of Light tonight, as the Black Cats look to book their place in the Championship play-off final.

A clinical striker duo of Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda each found the net against the Sky Blues on Friday night.

Jack Rudoni levelled the tie after the Frenchman’s opener on the break before Milan van Ewijk allowed Mayenda to break away and round the keeper for the winner.

Holding a first-leg advantage, Le Bris called on the Sunderland supporters to help carry them to Wembley, praising the superb away following at the CBS Arena.

Atmosphere

“Our fans were good, really good – we felt their support behind us,” he said, speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the second leg.

“It will be even better at [the] Stadium of Light, for sure.

“It’s important because these fixtures are completely different.

“You can feel the atmosphere in the stadiums, in these big games, it was the case at Burnley, it was the case at Leeds as well.

“It was the case at Coventry for the first leg.

“I hope this atmosphere will be loud, will be positively connected with the scenario of the game.

“Anything can happen, we know that – during the tough moments, we need their support; if we have strong momentum, we need their support too.

“It’s one of those details that can make the difference.”

Regis Le Bris on the touchline in the first leg of the Championship playoff tie between Sunderland and Coventry City
PICTURE: Alamy

Proactive

The French boss confirmed that Sunderland will be without Aji Alese, but revealed Romain Mundle will be in the matchday squad.

Asked for what the approach will be, he insisted that they will go for it, rather than sitting back and defending their advantage.

“For me, we have to be proactive and have that mindset,” he added.

“We want to win this game, and obviously, Coventry will be in a different position.

“They have to chase something, and sometimes, that can be an advantage because they don’t have too many questions — they just have to win.

“They will take risks, try to score, and attempt to switch the dynamic, so we have to be ready.”

Intent

Coventry boss Frank Lampard was in high spirits despite heading into the tie with a disadvantage.

“Sunderland are a really good team at this level, but we have intent at the top of the pitch,” he said.

“In the first leg, we controlled a lot of the game.

“To lose as we did was not ideal – but it’s better than being played off the park.

“So, we know we played pretty well – we know we can do better.”

READ MORE: Championship: Eliezer Mayenda’s late winner gives Sunderland edge over Coventry in play-off