Regis Le Bris: Sunderland boss says his side will be sparked by challenge of play-offs

After an electric start to the season in which they won nine of their opening dozen games, the Black Cats have been in the Championship’s upper echelons.

They have not been lower than fourth at any stage this season and have spent almost six months in that exact position.

Le Bris’ team were still in the conversation about a top-two spot as late as February until a dramatic injury-time defeat away to Championship title winners Leeds United effectively ended those chances.

Since then, their form has been indifferent with the Wearside club struggling to find the same intensity as in the opening six months of the season.

To end with five consecutive defeats and just one goal scored has raised concerns that Sunderland will not be able to shake off this lethargy, but Le Bris believes his players are the victims of their own good play earlier in the campaign.

“This started with a massive achievement,” said the Frenchman. “We were in the top four all season.

“After Leeds and Hull (defeats), we felt that automatic promotion became unrealistic and at the same time, fourth place was secured very early.

“We had nothing to chase and in that situation, it’s very difficult for all the teams in the world.

“Look at Paris St Germain, for example. They won the title and went unbeaten all season. But as they started to prepare the (Champions League) semi-final, they lost two games in a row.

“If one of the biggest teams in the world can struggle in that situation, it can be the case for us, as well.”