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Jack Clarke opens up on ‘difficult’ Regis Le Bris Sunderland tactics

Sunderland lost 2-1 to Gateshead in their second pre-season match of Regis Le Bris’ tenure.

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris oversaw two separate friendlies on Saturday, with two different squads put to the test against non-league sides South Shields and Gateshead.

The first of the friendlies saw Le Bris’ side 5-0 up at half time, courtesy of a star performance from stand-in captain Dan Neil, who played brilliantly alongside Chris Rigg in the centre of the park.

Striker Eliezer Mayenda also showed signs of improvement under the French manager, after he scored from the penalty spot.

Portuguese attacker Luis Hemir was also given necessary gametime against South Shields, with the striker hoping to put last season behind him after being unable to score in the 2023/24 Championship campaign.

However, Sunderland’s second friendly saw them undone at the Gateshead International Stadium, with the only Black Cats goal coming courtesy of Jack Clarke.

After the pre-season defeat to Gateshead, the former Tottenham and Leeds United winger was asked about Le Bris’ tactics so far in pre-season.

Jack Clarke opens up on Sunderland tactics that ‘didn’t quite come off’ against Gateshead

The Sunderland winger’s goal came from the penalty spot to level up the game to 1-1, however before half time, Gateshead went back in front and held on to a 2-1 victory.

After the game, Clarke was asked whether he will be able to thrive under Le Bris tactics.

Per Daniel Wales on X, Clarke said: “It’ll help me thrive but I also think it should help the whole team thrive once we’ve got complete clarity and understanding of what he wants, when he wants and who’s doing what etc.

“Obviously it’s been difficult so far and it didn’t quite come off for us today, but once we get that clarity, we’ll be thriving.”