Sunderland beat Lens 2-0 in Le Bris's first pre-season game

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris says his team are “building for one of the most exciting seasons in over 50 years” after a 2-0 pre-season win over French side Lens. Second-half strikes from Trai Hume and Wilson Isidor sealed the friendly victory in Lens on Saturday, the Black Cats’ penultimate pre-season outing before competitive football resumes.

The result comes as Sunderland prepare for a campaign that includes Europa League football for the first time since the 2014-15 season. Le Bris has overhauled the squad with a mix of free transfers and targeted signings, aiming to push for promotion back to the Premier League. The French coach pointed to the energy in the camp and the quality of his new recruits as signs that Sunderland are ready to compete on multiple fronts. “I can feel the energy,” he said after the game. “The boys are working hard, and the fans are getting more and more excited.”

Lens, managed by former Liverpool midfielder Francisco, played an experimental side and offered a useful test of Sunderland’s squad depth. Hume’s header from a corner broke the deadlock on 58 minutes, and Isidor’s low drive in the 73rd minute wrapped up the win. Both players are among several summer arrivals who have impressed early in pre-season, while experienced heads like Anthony Patterson and Dan Neil also featured.

Sunderland face one more pre-season fixture before their Europa League playoff tie against Dutch side FC Utrecht. A win or draw in that match would set up a competitive start against an unfamiliar opponent in unfamiliar surroundings. Le Bris insists the club is not just chasing points but building a sustainable project with a clear style of play. With the fans already buzzing and the squad showing early promise, the Black Cats could be ready to make some noise in Europe and at home.