AliousGary Bennett Believes Sunderland’s Form Has Suffered Since Mike Dodds’ Departure
Sunderland’s recent struggles have seen them drift away from the automatic promotion race, and former Black Cats defender Gary Bennett** believes the departure of
Mike Dodds has played a significant role in their dip in form.
Bennett: Le Bris Lacking Key Support
Speaking as a BBC pundit, Bennett pointed out that Regis Le Bris has been noticeably affected since Dodds left Sunderland to take charge at Wycombe Wanderers.
The French coach had been enjoying a strong season, but Bennett believes he now finds himself without the experienced support that Dodds previously provided.
Sunderland’s final match with Dodds as part of the coaching staff was a 3-2 victory over Middlesbrough, but since his departure, results have been inconsistent.
The team has suffered defeats to Leeds United, Hull City, and Coventry City, while picking up wins against Sheffield Wednesday, Cardiff City, and Luton Town.
Draws against Preston and Watford have further highlighted their fluctuating form.
Bennett acknowledged that ups and downs are a natural part of a league campaign, and he also noted that Dodds oversaw a poor end to Sunderland’s season last year.
However, he remains convinced that Le Bris is now missing a crucial source of guidance.
Le Bris “Going In Blind” Without an Experienced Hand
Bennett suggested that Le Bris may be struggling to navigate the Championship without a more experienced figure by his side. He explained:
> *“When things get tough, the tough get going.
And sometimes Regis Le Bris is looking around for that little bit of experience—somebody who’s been there, who understands the division, and can give him a helping hand.
He added that watching game footage is not enough to truly understand the league and that Le Bris may be approaching some matches without the in-depth knowledge needed to manage his squad effectively.
> *“Sometimes he’s going into games blind. Okay, you can watch as many videos as you like, but it’s not the same
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