Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris insisted Saturday’s trip to Burnley is a “new story” following a drama-filled evening at Turf Moor last season.
Both teams earned promotion into the Premier League for this season, but their Championship meeting in January proved to be an eventful encounter.
Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor had the chance to put his side ahead from the penalty spot in the 86th minute and again seven minutes into stoppage time, but was denied twice by goalkeeper James Trafford.
🗣️ RLB on Burnley:
‘They may change their system from last weekend, but we know they are hard to beat. We have to be consistent and ready for the challenge…’ pic.twitter.com/ZvdYvTnv0p
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 21, 2025
Trafford has since moved to Manchester City and with both Sunderland and Burnley now competing in the Premier League, Le Bris reaffirmed that Saturday is a new experience.
“Football is unpredictable and I repeat, it will be a new story,” the Black Cats boss said.
“I don’t know if (Isidor) missed these two penalties or the goalkeeper made two brilliant saves.
“With the psychologist background it was really positive. This goalkeeper left, so it won’t be the same story.
“For Wilson, he made a good start, scored last week, so he’s in a good spirit.”
Le Bris remained tight-lipped when asked if he has selected his penalty takers for this season.
“Yeah and it will be a surprise for you,” he said.
Isidor finished with 12 Championship goals last season and helped Sunderland in their play-off campaign, scoring in the first semi-final against Coventry.
He made an impact in the Black Cats’ first game back in the Premier League against West Ham, coming off the bench as a substitute and tucking the ball into the bottom corner to wrap up three points in added time.
Reflecting on Isidor’s double penalty miss last season, Le Bris emphasised the importance of instilling confidence into players.
He said: “For a footballer – and especially in these positions like the strikers and the goalkeepers – they are really exposed.
“When something is going wrong, the criticism is always really focused on some players.
“For us, as a club, as a manager, as a coaching staff, even people around, we have to understand that these positions are really strong and difficult to play.
“So support is really important. Confidence and support. We need it with our strikers and we’ll keep going because we know that is really important.
“When they feel it and they are good people, they’ll give their maximum and we’ll enjoy their goals and the way they can help the team to win games.”
Sunderland have had plenty of new faces through the door over the summer with 12 signings so far.
The transfer window closes on September 1 and Le Bris provided an update on the club’s transfer business.
He said: “The last week is always a bit crazy and can be chaotic.
“We are at the minute well organised, working together, so if someone can lose their mind the other one can catch them.
“We don’t have much recruitment to do right now, so if it’s possible to sign one or two more players maximum, it will be done. If it’s not possible, we’ll stay like that.”
