Regis Le Bris believes Sunderland showed exactly what they are capable of after producing a strong second-half display to beat Rennes 2-1 at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats went into the interval behind after the visitors converted a first-half penalty. But Sunderland stepped up the pressure after the restart and turned the game around through Brian Brobbey and Trai Hume.
It was the perfect way for Le Bris’ side to finish their pre-season preparations, with the Premier League opener against Ipswich now just around the corner.
Sunderland raise the intensity after the break
Sunderland struggled to impose themselves during the opening period, allowing Rennes to control parts of the game with the ball.
Le Bris wasn’t surprised by the quality of the French side, but admitted his team made life easier for their opponents before half-time.
“It was a good second half performance – in line with our standards,” Le Bris said.
“Rennes are a good team, as expected. They’re good with the ball and good under pressure.”
The Sunderland boss felt the response after the interval was the key factor in the comeback.
“We made it a bit easy for them in the first half.”
“We needed to lift the intensity at half-time and we did just that. We imposed ourselves well in the second half.”
The improvement was obvious. Sunderland played with greater aggression and spent much more time putting Rennes under pressure.
“We had to show more aggressiveness and the second half showed what we can do when we play at high pressure.”
That pressure eventually brought its reward.
Brobbey and Hume complete the turnaround
Sunderland found their equaliser around the hour mark when Brobbey reacted quickest after a loose header sent the ball back towards the Rennes goal.
The Dutch striker used his physical strength to get beyond the goalkeeper before dealing with the defender in his way and finishing into an open net.
The comeback was completed 10 minutes later.
Enzo Le Fee’s free-kick found its way into the area, where Hume met the delivery with a well-struck half-volley to put Sunderland in front.
The result gives Le Bris plenty to take into the opening Premier League fixture, particularly after Sunderland’s improved performance following the interval.
The manager was also pleased with the contribution from his substitutes.
“The subs made a good impact too – that’s a good sign for the season ahead.”
Sunderland now have little time to wait before the matches start to matter.
The victory over Rennes was their final pre-season fixture and brings an end to the preparation period. Their attention is now towards the Premier League, with Ipswich Town waiting at Portman Road on the opening Saturday.
