The newly promoted Premier League team will host Real Betis from La Liga in their next friendly match. Le Bris said that in order to face the Premier League in better condition, they must have higher and stricter requirements for themselves and their players.

In the 2024/25 Championship season, Sunderland defeated Sheffield United in the play-offs and was promoted to the Premier League. In the first round of the 2025/26 Premier League season, Sunderland will face West Ham at home.

Sunderland manager LeBris said in an interview, "We have strict requirements for ourselves and the players, because no matter what plan we want to implement or the intensity of this league, such strict requirements are necessary."

"Different experiences are good for us and we are constantly improving. We have to be ready for the first round of the league. From the current situation, we are already at a different stage in terms of physical condition and the coordination between the players."

In addition, Sunderland signed midfielder Xhaka and goalkeeper Robin Roves earlier to continue adding different strengths to the team.

"With the new players coming in, we are trying to build new habits and develop understanding between the players," Le Bris said. "That takes time, but the results at this stage are not the most important thing, especially when we changed the entire squad after 60 or 70 minutes like in the last game."

"But this doesn't mean the performance was good or bad. The key is for the players to participate, build understanding and gain experience, and learn to be ready for the first round of the league."