Wayne Rooney has named Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris as his standout manager of the Premier League season so far, placing the Frenchman ahead of high-profile figures such as Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta and Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola.
The Manchester United icon shared his view after Sunderland claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Newcastle United at the weekend.
Rooney believes Regis Le Bris’ tactical approach and background have played a key role in Sunderland’s progress, pointing to how quickly the team has adapted to life in the Premier League.
“Sunderland have changed tactically as well,” Rooney said on his BBC podcast.
“I think he was an analyst coach at his previous job and he’s gone and got Sunderland promoted, which was incredible.
“If you are choosing manager of the season right now, he would have to be up there. I would probably choose him over any other manager at the moment.”
Sunderland’s win over Newcastle lifted them to seventh place on the Premier League table, a position few would have predicted at the start of the campaign and one that keeps them firmly in the conversation for European qualification.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Rayan Cherki and Ruben Dias following his side’s convincing 3-0 away win against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Erling Haaland scored twice, with Phil Foden also on the scoresheet, as City controlled the game at Selhurst Park. Speaking afterwards, Guardiola highlighted Cherki’s quality in advanced areas and Dias’ influence at the heart of the team.
“In the final third, he [Cherki] has a special vision. He keeps the ball,” Guardiola was quoted as saying by Fabrizio Romano.
“And he’s settled in well since he arrived… very, very well.”
The City boss also singled out Dias for his leadership and consistency, stressing the importance of the Portugal international to the squad.
“Ruben Dias is an incredible leader,” the coach said.
“Consistent, no injuries, how he leads his mates, vocal, he’s an incredible signing for us from many years and many years to come! He’s a real captain, a real leader.”
Manchester City’s victory keeps them firmly in the title race, with Guardiola’s side now just two points behind league leaders Arsenal.
