Talking Tactics: How did Le Bris fare in a battle of wits against Roberto De Zerbi?

Sunderland rounded off their pre-season campaign with what could be considered their toughest test yet against Marseille. Once again returning to Valley Parade, Regis Le Bris was accompanied by another new face in the opposition dugout, Roberto De Zerbi, who had parted ways with Brighton at the end of last season.

Given De Zerbi’s distinct style of play and the way he coaches his teams, this was a great test to prepare Sunderland for the Championship curtain-raiser against Cardiff on Saturday. From Sunderland’s point of view, we got a look at what’s expected to be our strongest lineup for the season opener, the only real omission being Dan Ballard, who sustained an injury on the opening day of pre-season at South Shields.

Sunderland Lineup

Sunderland lined up in their usual 4-3-3 system that fans have become accustomed to over the last 18 months. Dan Neil operated as the deepest of the midfield trio, with Jobe and Alan Browne operating either side in more traditional box-to-box roles. The omission of a central attacking midfielder in favor of a single pivot with two accompanying midfielders looks to be the way Le Bris opts to set up his side, as it allows him to implement his pressing game more effectively.

Elsewhere, Clarke and Roberts filled their usual roles as inverted wingers on either flank, looking to cut inside and deliver crosses whenever given half a yard of space. The return of Dennis Cirkin added natural balance to the left side of the pitch, providing some much-needed natural width.

Eliezer Mayenda was tasked with leading the line and looks to be the preferred option for Le Bris in the forward area to start the season. The young Spaniard didn’t have much luck during his loan spell at Hibernian in the second half of last season, but given his skillset, he seems like Le Bris’ preference to lead the line against Cardiff on Saturday.

Mayenda’s increased mobility and desire to lead the press from the front are key aspects of why he’s notched himself ahead of his striking partners for the curtain-raiser despite his lack of goals from open play in pre-season. Le Bris has really instilled a press-beginning-from-the-front mentality, and therefore the high-intensity nature of Mayenda’s play is the logical option up top for Sunderland.

Photo by Martin Swinney/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

Sunderland’s High Press

Under Le Bris, Sunderland have been working on a much higher natural pressing game throughout pre-season. Facing a De Zerbi side, who are experts at beating a press, was a great chance to test the efforts that have gone into pre-season so far. In the early stages of the game, Sunderland were able to exploit this and create turnovers deep within the Marseille half by correctly deploying their pressing triggers and putting Marseille’s midfield under serious pressure.

Alan Browne was instrumental in acting as a vocal trigger in instigating the press for Sunderland, constantly providing a commanding voice linking the midfield and forward lines when triggering the press. Interestingly, Browne would often slot into the deeper holding midfield role when Dan Neil carried the ball forward, using his experience to cover the space and prevent Sunderland from being exposed through the middle of the pitch. Given Sunderland’s lack of a true holding midfielder, this dynamic is likely to be seen fairly often during the season.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

When the Pressure is Resisted

De Zerbi utilised his ability to slow the game down before dramatically increasing the tempo and breaking a team’s high line with just a few passes, managing to expose Sunderland on several occasions. This is a concern for Le Bris and his system, as when Kondogbia was able to spring a ball forward, Sunderland were instantly left on the back foot.

The way De Zerbi sets his sides up is the pinnacle of press-resistance, as demonstrated during his tenure with Brighton. There’s no shame in seeing Sunderland exposed to some of these moves, as they faced an opposition of De Zerbi’s coaching caliber. Sunderland aren’t expected to see sides as well-drilled on a weekly basis in the Championship, so it’s a great barometer to see how Le Bris’ high press has come together since taking over earlier this summer.

Photo by Martin Swinney/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

Wingers Back on Form

Although neither Patrick Roberts nor Jack Clarke directly contributed with a goal during this game, both wingers looked back to their mesmerising best when isolated against Marseille’s defenders. Roberts produced a lovely whipped cross to the back post for Dennis Cirkin, giving him the opportunity to slot home an equaliser at the start of the second half.

Later in the game, Clarke played his trademark drop of the shoulder and squeezed himself between two defenders before flashing a shot against the far post, showing he’s still just as deadly as ever.

All in All

Although Sunderland’s final and notably most difficult challenge of pre-season didn’t end in victory, fans can be assured that Le Bris’ tactics and pressing work are starting to take shape. The intensity week in and week out within the Championship is going to be similar to this game. Fortunately for Sunderland, teams aren’t likely to be as clinical at beating the press as a De Zerbi-coached side, so there are positives to take from this heading into the season opener.