Former Stade Rennais and Stade Reims defender Jean-Luc Arribart says Régis Le Bris has to take all the credit for Sunderland’s good start to the season.

Le Télégramme have published an interview with Jean-Luc Arribart, who is now an analyst and consultant for Canal+ in France.

Sunderland secured a return to the top flight by winning the Championship play-off final in May. Last summer, they invested heavily to reshape their squad.

Le Télégramme asked the pundit if he’s seen Sunderland enjoying a good run in the Premier League. When responding to that, he insisted no one could have predicted the club’s positive start.

“Not at all, obviously. Anyone who says yes will be the biggest liar in history. In the Premier League, we’re used to seeing newly promoted teams struggle. So, it’s extremely surprising to see Sunderland’s current success, after hitting rock bottom in recent years,” he said.

“This team’s success is primarily due to Régis Le Bris, whom you know well in Brittany. His adaptability and tactical creativity since last season in the Championship deserve recognition. He adapted incredibly quickly. A bit like Arsène [Wenger], we wondered where he came from, and it’s been a complete success.

“We...