Sunderland sit bottom of the Premier League after nine games with only one win and six defeats, raising concerns that their Europa League campaign is hindering domestic form.
Manager Regis Le Bris, who led the club back to Europe for the first time in 53 years, faces scrutiny but BBC Sport understands his job is not in immediate danger. The Frenchman is the club's longest-serving manager since Steve Bruce.
Captain Granit Xhaka questioned the team's "courage" after a 3-1 loss at Coventry City, while defender Nordi Mukiele earlier described the side as "arrogant". Former Sunderland player Nedum Onuoha and French football expert Julien Laurens expressed doubts about Le Bris's long-term suitability.
Sunderland's only league victory came on 30 August, a 1-0 home win over Fulham. They have scored just seven league goals, two from penalties, and have finished with ten men in three defeats. They have failed to score a first-half goal in seven of nine matches.
The club spent £161 million on 15 players after promotion in 2025, but only £60 million on five players this summer. Key players Xhaka and Brian Brobbey were retained, but Brobbey has yet to score since returning from a hamstring injury.
Le Bris attributes the struggles to "growing pains" from a demanding schedule that includes Premier League, Europa League, Carabao Cup quarter-finals, and upcoming FA Cup. Sunderland have lost two and drawn one of their three league games following European fixtures.
Despite the poor domestic start, Sunderland have begun their Europa League campaign well with two wins and a draw in the league phase. They face Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday before hosting Chelsea on Sunday.
