Sunderland boss takes Liverpool positives after 'dominant' first-half show

The Black Cats produced a spirited performance as they banked more valuable minutes at the end of the second week of pre-season.

Despite still being without a number of players following this summer’s FIFA World Cup, Le Bris’ side responded to Kieran Morrison’s opener through a stunning strike from Le Fee before Timur Tutierov’s composed finish early in the second half put Sunderland ahead.

Liverpool hit back through a superb long-range effort from Dominik Szoboszlai before Federico Chiesa restored their advantage with 18 minutes remaining. Lewis Koumas then added a late fourth to seal victory for the Reds.

The Black Cats now continue their US tour with a trip to New Jersey to face Leeds United on Thursday (kick-off 6.30pm ET).

Speaking to safc.com, Le Bris said: “It was an interesting game – two different halves. We split the game time and for the first half we started with good intentions and were progressive. We conceded an early goal but we felt like we found the solution with the ball and without the ball.

“We were dominant in the first half and we felt like we were getting better as a team. We scored and that was really important.”

He added: “It was another 45 minutes to build the foundations. The second half was a good experience for our young lads.”

The head coach also highlighted the growing influence of Le Fée in the heart of his side.

“In this central corridor Enzo is brilliant,” he continued. "He can connect really well with other midfielders with quality and freedom.

“But he is now building this connection with the centre-back and the goalkeeper as well. After that, he is creative and decisive, which is impactful for the game.”

Le Bris believes Sunderland’s pre-season tour of the United States provides the ideal environment to build fitness, strengthen cohesion, and test themselves against elite opposition.

The Black Cats touched down Stateside on Wednesday evening and have since got to work in the Tennessee heat as they undertake an 11-day trip, which also includes fixtures against Leeds United in New Jersey and Wrexham in Philadelphia.

Speaking before the defeat to Liverpool, he said: “This pre-season is a bit different to last season. We will have fewer new signings so the group is already set with a good culture.

“It is all about continuity and the fitness level has to grow progressively but the players know the system and it is much easier for us to go forward.

“We need experiences against strong opponents. That will be the case against Liverpool, Leeds United and Wrexham later.

“It is really positive for us to experience a new situation like this in America. We know this country likes sport in general and they like the underdog mentality.

“When you speak about this mentality you also speak about Sunderland and we will play against many great clubs and it is always with this mindset.

“We have to work together and be fully aligned and give everything on the pitch so playing with this mindset in Nashville is really positive.”