Régis Le Bris Five Untouchable Sunderland Players Ahead of Premier League Return spark controversy As Fans Question Why a Prominent Star Is Not in the List

Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has paid tribute to his players after a remarkable season that ended with Europa League qualification, while also revealing the five players he considers “untouchable” as the club prepares for life back in the Premier League.

 

Speaking during Sunderland’s end-of-season media session on Tuesday at the Academy of Light training facility, Le Bris reflected on an unforgettable campaign that exceeded expectations and re-established the Black Cats as one of English football’s rising forces.

 

The Frenchman was asked how he felt about guiding Sunderland to Europa League qualification and where he sees the club positioning itself in the Premier League next season.

Le Bris responded with his usual calm and composed manner, choosing first to praise the efforts of his squad.

 

“I am very proud of the players,” he said.

 

“They fought until the very end of the season. There were difficult moments, there were challenges, but they never showed weakness. They stayed together, worked hard and continued to believe in what we were building.”

 

“To qualify for the Europa League is a fantastic achievement for everyone connected with Sunderland Football Club. It is important to remember that this is a club that has had to rebuild itself over the last few years.”

 

“It was not an easy task. For a team that came back from relegation and worked its way back to this level, achieving European qualification is something very special. The players deserve all the credit because they gave everything.”

 

The Sunderland boss was then asked about his ambitions for next season and whether the Black Cats could continue their rapid rise in the Premier League.

 

Le Bris remained optimistic but careful not to make bold promises.

 

“The Premier League is a different challenge,” he explained.

 

“We have great respect for every team in that competition. But if we keep this spirit high, and I believe we will keep it high, then we can be in a much better position next season.”

 

“The mentality of this group is excellent. The players want to improve. They want to compete. If we continue with the same commitment and hunger, I believe Sunderland can continue moving forward.”

 

Attention then turned to the summer transfer window, with journalists asking whether the club was already exploring new options to strengthen the squad ahead of a demanding season that will include both domestic and European football.

 

Le Bris confirmed that recruitment discussions are already underway.

 

“Of course we are exploring options,” he said.

 

“When you have Premier League football and European football, you must always look for ways to improve your squad. We are working behind the scenes and evaluating different possibilities.”

 

“But at the same time, we already have a very strong foundation. We have players who have shown their quality, leadership and commitment throughout the season.”

 

The Sunderland manager then revealed that he has identified five players he considers untouchable heading into next season.

 

Asked to name them, Le Bris responded without hesitation.

 

“Granit Xhaka.”

 

“Wilson Isidor.”

 

“Brian Brobbey.”

 

“Nilson Angulo.”

 

“Nordi Mukiele.”

 

Le Bris explained that these players would form the core of the team moving forward.

 

“These five players have been very important for us. They have shown consistency, character and leadership. They played active roles in helping this club achieve its objectives.”

 

“They understand what we want to build here and they will remain an important part of our plans for next season.”

 

While the comments were generally welcomed by supporters, they quickly sparked debate across social media.

 

Many Sunderland fans were surprised that highly-rated midfielder Chris Rigg was not included among the manager’s untouchable players.

The teenage sensation enjoyed another impressive campaign and has become one of the most exciting young talents in English football. His performances throughout the season earned widespread praise from supporters and pundits alike, making his omission from Le Bris’ list one of the biggest talking points of the media session.

 

Within minutes, fans began sharing their reactions online.

 

Some questioned whether the omission hinted at uncertainty surrounding Rigg’s future, while others suggested that Le Bris may have been focusing on players he views as experienced leaders rather than emerging stars.

 

Others were quick to defend the manager, arguing that leaving Rigg off the list did not necessarily mean the youngster was not valued by the club.

 

Regardless of the interpretation, the debate highlighted just how highly Sunderland supporters regard the academy graduate.

 

For now, there is no indication that Rigg’s future lies anywhere other than the Stadium of Light. However, his absence from Le Bris’ untouchable list has certainly given fans something to discuss as attention turns toward the summer transfer window.

 

One thing is clear: Sunderland are preparing for one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory. With Premier League football returning and Europa League nights on the horizon, expectations are growing.

And while Le Bris has made it clear who his five untouchable players are, many supporters will continue asking the same question throughout the summer:

Where was Chris Rigg?