By Karim Hammam
Sunderland sit bottom of the Premier League with one win and six defeats from nine games, raising questions about whether their Europa League campaign is hindering domestic form. The club, back in European competition for the first time in 53 years, face Dinamo Zagreb at the Stadium of Light on Thursday before hosting Chelsea on Sunday.
European campaign adds pressure
Sunderland have started well in Europe, winning two and drawing one of their first three Europa League league-phase matches, including a forthcoming trip to AC Milan in December. However, they have lost two and drawn one of their three Premier League games played after European fixtures. Experts suggest the Thursday-Sunday rhythm reduces training time and may distract players unfamiliar with continental football.
Poor domestic form
The Black Cats have scored only seven league goals this season, two from penalties, and have failed to net a first-half goal in seven of nine matches. They have finished with ten men in defeats against Arsenal, Bournemouth and Coventry after red cards for Reinildo Mandava, Kevin Danso and Omar Alderete respectively. Last season Sunderland finished seventh, doing the double over Chelsea and Newcastle while holding Arsenal and Manchester City at home.
Manager under scrutiny
Regis Le Bris, appointed in July 2024, is the club's longest-serving manager since Steve Bruce. BBC Sport understands his job is not in immediate danger, but former Sunderland loanee Nedum Onuoha and French football expert Julien Laurens have expressed doubts about his long-term suitability. Laurens said he does not see Le Bris finding solutions to turn results around.
Player concerns
Captain Granit Xhaka questioned the team's "courage" after the 3-1 loss at Coventry, while defender Nordi Mukiele previously claimed the side had become "arrogant." Both players' form has dipped significantly this season, according to Laurens. Forward Brian Brobbey, who scored seven league goals last term and three for the Netherlands at the World Cup, has yet to score since returning from a hamstring injury despite signing a new contract until 2031.
Second-season syndrome
Statistics show second-season syndrome is not a common trend: only 11 of the previous 52 promoted sides that survived were relegated the following season. Sunderland and Leeds were the 53rd and 54th such teams last season. With three-quarters of the campaign remaining, the club argues there is ample time to recover.
Spending disparity
After winning promotion in the summer of 2025, Sunderland invested £161 million on 15 new players. This summer the outlay was £60 million on five signings. Retaining Xhaka and Brobbey was seen as a positive by fans, but the reduced spending has coincided with a sharp decline in results.
Upcoming fixtures
Sunderland face Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday (20:00 GMT) before Sunday's visit of Chelsea. A positive result against the Croatian champions could provide momentum ahead of the international break, but continued poor form risks an unhappy period for the club and its fanbase.
