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      Julen Lopetegui clinging to his job as West Ham hold emergency board meeting with three manager replacements in frame

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI is clinging on to his job as West Ham’s board prepare to meet to discuss his future.The Hammers’ woeful defeat to struggling Leicester on Tuesday night could be the final nail in Loeptegui’s coffin, with a number of the club’s hierarchy keen to make a change.West Ham are holding an emergency board meeting about Julen Lopetegui’s futureThe Spaniard replaced David Moyes six months agoEdin Terzic, a former coach at the club, Graham Potter and ex-Porto manager Sergio Conceicao are all being considered as replacements.West Ham’s usually patient board are expected to hold talks on Wednesday to discuss whether or not to make a change.The club are currently 14th, six points clear of the drop, but have made no clear progress since David Moyes was replaced in the summer and almost £130million was spent on new players.Frustrated fans turned on Lopetegui at the King Power Stadium, chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning” at the former Wolves manager.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPotter, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in April last year, was on punditry duty with Amazon Prime and said he is “open to everything” when it comes to a new role.The former Brighton boss recently turned down Leicester City but is understood to be open to taking over at the London Stadium if approached.While Lopetegui must shoulder some of the blame for West Ham’s poor start, captain Jarrod Bowen insists the squad must take responsibility too.He said: “There’s pressure on the players as well.Most read in Football”We’re the ones who have to go out there and perform, and we haven’t done that to the level that we know we’re capable of.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We need to turn it around as we’re all in it together as a group. It’s down to us to go out there and perform and do better than what we’re doing.”West Ham replaced Moyes, who won the Europa Conference League during his second spell in charge, with a view to improving the style of play.Graham Potter admits he’s ‘looking at things’ as speculation intensifies that he’ll replace Julen Lopetegui at West HamBut the Hammers remain woeful in defence having conceded 27 goals this season and there has been little sign of a new style being implemented.The former Spain and Real Madrid manager has remained insistent that he should be judged at the end of the season, but a majority of fans have made their mind up already – as have some figures within the club.A final call, however, will rest with chairman and largest shareholder, David Sullivan.Lopetegui was close to the sack before the Hammers’ game at Newcastle last month.An impressive 2-0 victory bought him more time.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut a shambolic 5-2 defeat to Arsenal and a 3-1 humbling at relegation favourites Leicester has piled the pressure back on.It marked the seventh time in 16 games in all competitions that West Ham have conceded three or more goals this term.Lopetegui’s worst West Ham resultsWest Ham 1 – 3 Man City (Prem)West Ham 0 – 3 Chelsea (Prem)Liverpool 5 -1 West Ham (Carabao Cup)Tottenham 4 -1 West Ham (Prem)Nottingham Forest 3 – 0 West Ham (Prem)West Ham 2- 5 Arsenal (Prem)Leicester 3 -1 West Ham (Prem) More

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      West Ham players SLAMMED for defending as if Jamie Vardy was offside only for VAR to declare Leicester goal onside

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      JAMIE VARDY profited from slow-reacting West Ham defenders to give Leicester the lead in a 3-1 win at the King Power.The Foxes legend raced through on goal to open the scoring after just 98 seconds but was initially flagged for offside.Jamie Vardy opened the scoring against West HamCredit: GettyVardy was adjudged to be onside after a VAR reviewWest Ham players protested for offsideMavrapanos could be seen looking on in vain for an offside flagBilal El Khannouss played Vardy through and the ex-England striker slotted home past Lukasz Fabianski before the flag was raised.But upon review by VAR, centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos was shown to be playing Vardy onside.The centre-back, along with Maximilian Kilman and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were guilty of praying for offside to be called. All three laboured in their attempts to stop Vardy and Mavropanos in particular looked to be spending more time looking for a flag rather than trying to stop the 37-year-old striker from scoring – much to the anger of fans online.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne said: “The central defence is a big concern, Kilman and Mavropanos look too slow.”Another fumed: “Killman and Mavropanos have no answer to 37-year old Vardy. Embarrassing.”One raged: “What is Mavropanos doing, he was counting on VAR there and they didn’t save him.”Another said: “Bad mistake by Mavropanos. Should have held the line but he dropped back. Really poor.”Most read in FootballIt set the tone for another awful display from West Ham that left Julian Lopetegui fighting for his job.Leicester won the match 3-1. More

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      ‘I’m surprised’: Ex-Prem ref responds as VAR helps Arsenal again with controversial Saka and Timber calls at West Ham

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      ARSENAL’s victory over West Ham was comprehensive, but it wasn’t without controversy following some questionable VAR calls.The Gunners won 5-2 after an entertaining Premier League encounter against the Hammers on Saturday at the London Stadium.Arsenal picked up a controversial victory over West HamCredit: GettyFormer Premier League referee and SunSport columnist Mark Halsey addressed all the controversyCredit: RexThe London rivals played out a seven-goal thriller in the first half that saw the visitors lead 4-0 by the 36th minute with goals by Gabriel Magalhaes, Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz.However, West Ham got back in the game with two goals within two minutes thanks to Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson Palmieri.But Arsenal knocked the wind out of the East Londoners’ sales in the fifth minute of stoppage time with a controversial penalty that Gabriel earned and Bukayo Saka scored.Former Premier League referee and SunSport columnist Mark Halsey addressed all the controversy on Whistleblower.Read More on ArsenalHalsey started by analysing Arsenal’s final goal that ended West Ham’s hopes of a dramatic comeback.Saka whipped in a corner-kick from the right and Gabriel got the header that sent the ball way over the crossbar.But then referee Anthony Taylor deemed Lukasz Fabianski caught the centre-back in the face in his attempt to punch the ball away.Taylor booked Fabianski in front of a shocked crowd and Saka scored from the penalty spot.Most read in FootballHalsey told SunSport’s Will Pugh: “I think when the cross comes over and the ball comes over like that, you’re going to have contact between players at every occasion. You’re going to have contact. And it’s subjective. “We have seen penalties given in those sort of situations where a keeper has come out. But there’s been a lot more contact than we saw at the weekend.Jorginho tells Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to become England’s fifth-ever Ballon d’Or winner and end 23-year wait “Anthony Taylor’s given it. He’s taken some time to think about it. And he’s given it. And VAR are not going to overrule that, because obviously we’ve heard Howard Webb say that we want to stick with the on-field decision on those situations, on a subjective decision.”So, listen, yeah, I mean, had he not given that as a penalty, that would have stayed not given. It does seem that it did take four or five seconds to give the decision whether he was influenced by Gabriel on the floor, holding his head, his face and players sort of surrounding him. “So, as I said, had it not been given, it would have stayed not given. It would have stayed with the on-field decision.”Arsenal players weren’t really claiming for anything. It all went quiet in the ground. And then all of a sudden, there’s a penalty check for God knows what. And then Arsenal scored.”Halsey, though, was categorically against the way the referee and VAR handled Arsenal’s opener that saw Saka’s corner-kick from the right finding Gabriel who beat Fabianski with a clinical header.Jurrien Timber appeared to have fouled Lucas Paqueta, who covered the near post and could have easily headed the cross away.’I’m surprised’However, Timber seemed to have pushed him from behind and that didn’t allow Paqueta to clear the ball.Halsey added: “Well, again, we’re talking about inconsistency, aren’t we? Regarding decisions when a goal is scored. Was it a foul? Was it not a foul?”So, yeah, listen, for me, I think it’s a clear free-kick. And I’m surprised that VAR didn’t recommend a review.”Halsey also addressed Arsenal’s first penalty that saw Paqueta fouling Saka inside the West Ham area on 34 minutes.It seemed like there was very little contact and the England international didn’t go down immediately.Nevertheless, the decision stood and the North Londoners’ captain Odegaard converted from the spot to make it 3-0.Halsey said: “When he sticks his leg out like that, you run the risk. And I just want to see players, when they are challenged like that, just go down straight away.”Don’t need to take one or two more steps, then go down. Listen, had that not been given, it would have stayed.”Possibly not given. Because as I say, there was just slight, slight contact. But once the referee has given it…READ MORE SUN STORIES”Listen, I think he’s just guessed as in the way he’s gone in and Paqueta’s gone over. And he’s been safe and given a free-kick. “But we can all see that it’s not a free-kick and he has clearly won the ball. But in real time, it possibly looked like it’s a free-kick.” More

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      Michail Antonio suffers wardrobe malfunction as West Ham star’s request for special kit modification backfires

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      YOU might not think a West Ham player could complain about it being “tough at the top”.But Michail Antonio would disagree – and now has the proof.Michail Antonio pointed out his problem to the West Ham dugoutCredit: GettyAntonio went back on with a new version of his special topCredit: AFPThe striker was involved in an unusual shirt change during the Hammers’ shock 2-0 win at Newcastle.And the reason for his mishap was even more odd.Toon chief Eddie Howe no doubt tore a strip out off his home team as victory would have lifted them from tenth in the Premier League to fifth.But it was Antonio who managed to rip his uncomfortable top.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt all stems from the Jamaica star alerting West Ham back in the summer that his shirt was too tight at the top.And rather than tough it out, it’s understood he asked the club to put a slit in his collar.The Hammers agreed – meaning the 34-year-old has played the campaign in a customised shirt.However, not only did the top tear at the front at St James’ Park, it opened up right down to the chest.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAntonio had to point out the damage to his bench – before being kitted out with another personalised shirt.His old one had come apart much like Newcastle’s defence did at times – as West Ham slightly eased the pressure on boss Julen Lopetegui.Michail Antonio slept during West Ham’s celebrations after European Conference League triumphThe Spaniard insisted he has blocked out all the talk over his future.However, he must have been feeling a little bit hot under the collar.Fortunately for Lopetegui, Tomas Soucek headed a tenth-minute opener and Aaron Wan-Bissaka clinched victory soon after the break.The Hammers remain 14th in the Prem but now have a six-point cushion from the relegation zone.Ex-Manchester United right-back Wan-Bissaka has only ever scored three goals – but two have come at Newcastle.Lopetegui said: “We are happy. I think that we played well.”We played with one identity and we were able to overcome a very good team. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I believe in the future. This team is going to be able to do the things and show the style as a team.”Antonio played the first 75 minutes as the Hammers stunned NewcastleCredit: GettyLewis Hall tries in vain to get shirty with AntonioCredit: AFP More

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      West Ham ‘sound out former Champions League final manager’ as Julen Lopetegui ‘has TWO matches to save his job’

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI is not “listening or reading” about any sack speculation amid reports he has TWO matches to save his West Ham job.The Hammers are understood to have already sounded out Edin Terzic, who guided Borussia Dortmund to last season’s Champions League final before leaving the Bundesliga giants.Julen Lopetegui’s future could rest on results vs Newcastle and ArsenalCredit: RexEdin Terzic is rated a prime contender to step in if Lopetegui departsCredit: GettyAnd it’s claimed that should Lopetegui fail to get decent results away to Newcastle on Monday and then at home to Arsenal next Saturday, he will be shown the exit door.Typically, the West Ham hierarchy do not make mid-season firing but the club are 14th in the Premier League with only three wins from 11 matches.Terzic, a former Hammers’ assistant under Slaven Bilic, is regarded as a frontrunner should the Spaniard be replaced.He won the German Cup in his first spell in charge of Dortmund when he was interim chief.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTerzic then returned to take the permanent position but quit in June this year after finishing fifth. TalkSPORT say West Ham Director of football Tim Steidten is a firm admirer of Terzic and that contact has already been made.It was put to Lopetegui, 58, that his time could soon be over in East London.But he responded: “The only thing I’m focused on is to be able to go to Newcastle in a tough match against a very good team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“We have to be ready to improve and to overcome the kinds of difficulties that we are going to have as a team.“The rest of the things, believe me this is football, it’s up to you. I’m not focused on this.Who is Julen Lopetegui?“I’m not listening or reading. I’m focused on working in my daily work to be able to understand what things can happen to be a better team.“The rest of the things are out of my control.“We put all our focus on the things that we can control to be able to work better, with a high demanding, knowing that the players need to do better.“Knowing that the season arrives in May, not November. So, let’s see what happens in two, three months.”Lopetegui – who is without the suspended Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus – said he “talks every week” with chairman and largest shareholder David Sullivan.He added: “Our life is to live under pressure. Our work is like this. That is why we choose this world.“The more important thing is that we are working very hard to be able to improve a lot.“The players have a big commitment to do this. I’m sure that we are going to achieve our levels.“It’s true that we are not happy with the position that we are in but it’s true that we have a lot of time to change this.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We have done good things, but not enough things and we have to do more good things. We have to be able to achieve the best level of all the players.“We have to increase the level of all the team. I’m sure that all the players are involved in this improvement.” More

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      Newcastle vs West Ham: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend with BetMGM

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      NEWCASTLE are looking to keep their unbeaten run going when West Ham visit in this week’s Monday Night Football.Bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the showdown.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsNewcastle vs West Ham: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Newcastle vs West Ham: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Top tips for Score Predictor Matchweek 12 – play now and compete for £250 weekly prize!

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      SCORE PREDICTOR returns with Matchweek 12 coming in hot.As usual, it’s free to play with a £250 cash prize for the weekly winner so there’s no reason to shy away.Play Score Predictor now!Credit: Dream TeamSimply submit your predictions for the five selected Premier League games and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you amass the most points then – cha ching – you’ll pocket the cash!Allow us to present some key stats and facts for each relevant fixture this Matchweek.Arsenal v Nottingham ForestThis was a relatively straightforward match-up to predict in recent seasons but Forest are a different beast this term.Nuno Espirito Santo’s mob are currently fifth in the table, level with the Gunners on 19 points.Only Liverpool have conceded fewer league goals than Forest at this stage while only Erling Haaland is clear of Chris Wood in the Golden Boot race.Mikel Arteta’s troops will certainly be wary of an upset having only won one of their last five outings in all competitions; and that a victory over Championship side Preston in the Carabao Cup.Most read in FootballWhat’s more, Forest boast the second-best away record in the top flight having gone unbeaten on the road since the start of the campaign.There’s a chance Arsenal will have reset during the international break but all signs point to a very competitive game at the Emirates this Saturday.Our Prediction: 1-1 drawForest have already won at Anfield this seasonCredit: GettyManchester City v TottenhamProbably the standout match-up of Matchweek 12.Pep Guardiola suffered a fourth consecutive defeat for the first time in his managerial career when his side fell to Brighton prior to the break.It would be quite something if that run were to extend to five but certainly not inconceivable given the opposition.Spurs have been a bogey team for the decorated tactician in recent years although his woes have generally stemmed from North London – City’s home record remains imperious.Ange Postecoglou’s side are difficult to pin down this season.They’re the league’s top scorers but inconsistent form, typified by their loss to Ipswich last time out, has them tenth in the standings.These sides rank first and second for total shots in the Premier League this season and with vulnerabilities in both defences it could be an entertaining contest – a tough one to predict though.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawScore PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWSouthampton v LiverpoolIf the first two match-ups are tantalisingly poised, this one appears relatively simple.With Saints pinned to the bottom of the table and the Reds leading the way at the top, this is a huge mismatch on paper.Arne Slot may have one eye on Real Madrid in midweek but it’s surely a question of how many for the visitors on Sunday?Our Prediction: 4-0 to LiverpoolSouthampton will be up against it this weekendCredit: GettyIpswich v Manchester UnitedThe Red Devils once beat the Tractor Boys 9-0 under Alex Ferguson’s watch but that was a long time ago.After an underwhelming start to the campaign that proved to be the end of Erik ten Hag, Man United are just four places above Ipswich in the table at present.Although the East Anglians were made to wait until November 10th for their first Premier League since promotion.The primary talking point about this game revolves around Ruben Amorim with the Portuguese tactician set to take charge of his first game as head coach of the 20-time champions.Score Predictors will have to ask themselves how much they believe in the concept of a new manager bounce.Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored fewer league goals than Man United this term but there were signs of an upturn prior to the break.Our Prediction: 3-1 to Manchester UnitedA trip to Portman represents a relatively favourable start for Amorim on paperCredit: GettyNewcastle v West HamOptimism has been restored at St James’ Park this month following back-to-back wins over Arsenal and high-flying Forest.After a somewhat subdued start to the campaign, Alexander Isak is now bang in form having scored in four consecutive games – the Swedish striker will fancy his chances of extending his streak on Monday night.In contrast, patience is running thin among Hammers fans in regards to Julen Lopetegui’s tenure.West Ham failed to score in either of the last two outings (against Forest and Everton) and have been rendered relatively toothless by Mohammed Kudus’ lengthy suspension.Having been 3-1 down in the 76th minute, Harvey Barnes inspired Newcastle to a 4-3 win over West Ham in the corresponding fixture last season but it should be a more straightforward task for the hosts this time around.Our Prediction: 2-0 to NewcastleREAD MORE SUN STORIESThink you know better? You’re almost certainly right!Play Score Predictor now and put yourself in contention for the £250 weekly prize.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      I got a doctorate in biomechanics after average football career, now I want to follow Wenger’s footsteps in the Prem

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      REGIS LE BRIS revealed Arsene Wenger’s early work inspired him to become a boss.The Frenchman has guided Sunderland to the top of the Championship as they chase a return to the Prem following their relegation in 2017.Regis Le Bris has left the Black Cats eyeing promotion to the PremCredit: RexArsene Wenger taught his fellow Frenchman well at MonacoCredit: RexLe Bris, 48, grew up in Brittany and had an unremarkable career as a defender in France.But he knew he wanted to coach after studying Arsenal legend Wenger during his seven years at Monaco from 1987.Saluting the 75-year-old’s Monte Carlo masterclass, Le Bris said: “I really liked Monaco under Arsene Wenger. I wasn’t really a fan but when I was young I liked this team and  his style.“If a player, team or manager had a specific style, I liked analysing the way that they played, their personality . . . there was something different.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It was new — with many young players and  a proactive style of play.“I was young, so it was difficult to assess the different elements involved in a game.“But I think it was about emotional elements, which were different from other teams.“You can see a football team and think, ‘They are playing well’ or, ‘This is interesting’. But  you don’t really know  why — it just makes you  feel something different.Most read in Football “As a player, I was  interested in understanding the game because I probably didn’t have the  X factor technically or physically.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“When you have a specific talent then you just  have to use it and be good on the pitch — but I was average everywhere.“So I had to think how I could compete with stronger players, understand the game better and be connected with the other players to  solve problems.”Rising star Chris Rigg talks about his rise through the ranks at Sunderland After an “average” playing career as a defender at Rennes, Laval and Belgian minnows Ronse, Le Bris went on to achieve a doctorate in sport physiology and biomechanics while first embarking on his coaching career.Following a spell as youth coach at Wasquehal, he spent eight years at Rennes before moving  to Lorient to help bring through their kids into  the first team.Ex-Arsenal man Matteo Guendouzi and Leeds keeper Illan Meslier were just two of those prior to him becoming first-team boss in 2022.Le Bris always had a “curiosity” to work abroad — and felt England would be the perfect place having visited many clubs.He added: “I wanted to discover new cultures, environments and languages.“I’m just curious and, when I’m in  the same environment for a long   time,  I like working on a long project but  need to be fed new elements to learn.“If it all just stays the same, then I’ll need something else to grow, keep the energy  and connect with other people.“It was a whole new experience and I was  aware that it would be different — but I liked that difference and was prepared for that.“I have visited many football clubs in Spain  and England so  was aware of the environment  and  really liked it.England U18 midfielder Chris Rigg is one of Sunderland’s hot prospectsCredit: GettyJude Bellingham’s younger brother Jobe is another top Black Cats teenCredit: PA“Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Everton, Leeds,  Chelsea, Arsenal and probably two or three more.“I’m like that, I’m curious about new ideas, behaviours and thinking about football.”Le Bris ended up joining Sunderland in July and has no doubts his  young guns —  including Chris Rigg, 17, and Jude Bellingham’s 19-year-old younger brother Jobe — can reach the very top.The impressive Frenchman has already scooped two manager-of-the-month awards but a Premier League return is the biggest prize he is chasing.Le Bris, whose side go to Millwall on Saturday, explained: “The players are good — very good.“I have worked with many, many players that  have worked at the highest level.“It is always a question of potential. We think that they could play at the highest level, Premier League or Champions League.“But the question between the potential and  reality is down to the pathway.I don’t think you can assess the reality of the size of Sunderland before being at SunderlandRegis Le Bris“I’m very confident for them but it’s still fragile. “Yet their behaviours, for example Jobe, Riggy and other players, it’s very interesting their potential and qualities and the way they are managing this relationship with the game.“If you can keep this relationship with the game then you can exploit your potential.“If the environment around the football becomes more important then it will be more difficult.“I’m just a part of their journey, really. If I can help them to grow, and if they can help us to grow as a club, then that’s a good connection. So we’ll have to see for the future.“I don’t think you can assess the reality of the size of Sunderland before being at Sunderland.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Away to Preston, the stands were full and it was crazy. It’s a new experience for me.“This  football club is very important and its history, the fanbase is big and the passion around the club is impressive.” More