Dan Neil – BBC Sport

After reaching the play-offs in their first year back from League One with Tony Mowbray at the helm, Sunderland slipped to 16th last season, six points above the relegation zone.

Mowbray left the club in December, his replacement Michael Beale only lasted until February and it was left to Michael Dodds to hold the fort on an interim basis until the end of the season.

After a long search, Frenchman Le Bris was appointed in late June – his first job in English football.

But despite his late arrival and his unknown nature, Neil said his new head coach has been making an excellent impression.

The Black Cats still possess a largely youthful squad, but the midfielder believes that a new identity is being forged under Le Bris.

“He has definitely brought new ideas, new ways of playing, especially in possession,” the midfielder told 72+: The EFL Podcast.

“He is big on triangles and things like that. It’s all new to us. A lot of what we did in previous years was try to get the ball to our best attacking players as fast as we possibly can and hopefully they can do damage at the top end of the pitch.

“I feel like the way we are playing now is a lot more structured. Everybody knows their roles in and out of possession.”

Neil added: “When he first came in, he was quite quiet, gauging what squad he had.

“As the season is going on, he is definitely coming out of his shell, taking charge of more sessions.

“All the boys are enjoying it so far. He’s been really good.”