Sunderland boss reveals points target needed to finally return to Premier League

Regis Le Bris has set Sunderland a 90 points target to get promoted.

The head coach refuses to declare his side as among the contenders to win a place in the . The Black Cats have emerged as a surprise package at the top of the Championship this season.

The French tactician has overseen a complete change in fortunes on Wearside, galvanising a young squad with a sound plan and also made crucial in-game changes to shape and approach to dig out wins.

Sunderland won two tough away games at Hull and Luton last week and now entertain Oxford at home. They have richer and more fancied rivals including and vying for a top two finish, but they are looking good for at least a top six berth come May.

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Le Bris: “This kind of experience we are having like at Luton, shows we are linked. They want to win together. It is not only the tactical side that wins games. It is our team. The way that everyone is fighting together, and applying it on the pitch.

“We have a good experience but it is only 11 games. The season is so long. There are 35 games still to come. So the main idea is to build on this positive start. We have won eight of 11 games so many positive experiences. But we know the difference between a win and defeat is so subtle, just a question of details. At the minute we are always in the balance. It is mainly in the positive, but we need to improve our game.

“When will you know we are capable of promotion? The promotion should be around 90 points, 88 or 92, I don’t know. We have 25 at the minute. So you can assess the gap! It is huge.”

Le Bris, former coach of Lorient, says he is enjoying the challenge of the second tier in England.

He added: “The gap between Luton and Hull was huge, tactically. So different styles of play. It is interesting to discover new styles, new stadiums and new atmospheres. It is a very competitive Championship.”

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