Regis Le Bris’ long-term Sunderland ‘aim’ inspired by Chelsea

Add as preferred source on Google

Regis Le Bris has been discussing how Sunderland plan to replicate their upcoming opponents Chelsea.

Le Bris has earned plaudits from Premier League managers during the opening few months of 2025/26 and will be looking to continue his stellar start against the Blues.

Omar Alderete will miss the Chelsea clash, which is expected to be a tough test for Sunderland but one the North East outfit will likely relish given how well they have begun the season.

The Black Cats went into the weekend with four wins from eight, and after such a prolific start, Le Bris is already planning for life in the Premier League over the long term.

Regis Le Bris wants Sunderland to emulate Chelsea

Speaking live at his pre-match press conference, the Frenchman waxed lyrical about the Blues and admitted he wants his Sunderland side to become similar to Chelsea.

He said: “Winning four games from eight shows that we’ve been consistent and flexible. Chelsea are a really strong side and a top four Premier League team.

“They can clearly play 60 games per season because of their depth and their young and dynamic squad. It will be a big test.

“They are a good example for us because we aim to become a team with a similar identity, in terms of having young players and a strategy around development.”

Le Bris’ men kicked off Saturday seventh in the Premier League, only behind Chelsea and the European places via goal difference.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
5	ChelseaChelsea	8	4	2	2	16	9	7	14
6	TottenhamTottenham	8	4	2	2	14	7	7	14
7	SunderlandSunderland	8	4	2	2	9	6	3	14
8	Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace	8	3	4	1	12	8	4	13
9	Manchester UnitedManchester United	8	4	1	3	11	12	-1	13

As they look to climb the table once more this weekend, the recently-promoted outfit will go into the match with a seven-year record on their side.

Sunderland record vs Chelsea

Sunderland have not lost in London for seven years, last tasting defeat in the capital back in 2018.

However, Chelsea’s recent record against the Championship play-off winners may cause some concern.

The last three meetings at Stamford Bridge all ended with comfortable wins for the home side.

A lot has changed since Sunderland were last in the Premier League, though, and it will be interesting to see how this new-look squad fares against a team eyeing Champions League qualification.