AliousSunderland Warned to Regain Momentum Before Play-Offs as Lee Hendrie Sounds “Flat” Alarm
Sunderland have been urged to reignite their competitive edge ahead of the Championship play-offs, with former midfielder Lee Hendrie warning that their recent slump in form could cost them dearly.
Despite securing a play-off spot with several games to spare, the Black Cats have seen their performance levels dip alarmingly as they approach the crucial promotion deciders.
With two regular season matches still to play, Régis Le Bris has a narrow window to get his squad firing again. The Sunderland boss has chosen to rotate his players heavily in recent weeks, a strategy intended to preserve freshness ahead of the intense play-off schedule. However, the decision could backfire if it leads to further loss of rhythm and match sharpness.
**Hendrie: Time for Le Bris to Rebuild Sunderland’s Edge**
Speaking exclusively to *Football League World*, Lee Hendrie expressed his concern about Sunderland’s recent performances, urging Le Bris to prioritize strong team selections in the final fixtures to rebuild momentum.
**”At this point in the season, Sunderland have the luxury of being assured of a play-off spot after a solid campaign,”** Hendrie said. **”That’s given Le Bris room to experiment, rotate, and rest players. But there’s a fine line between staying fresh and becoming complacent.”**
Hendrie believes that the recent drop-off has made Sunderland vulnerable:
**”The team looks a little flat, and you worry that if they don’t get back into rhythm now, it’ll be too late when the play-offs arrive.”**
With Sunderland already guaranteed to finish fourth regardless of final results, the temptation to continue rotating is high. But Hendrie believes the bigger priority should be regaining competitive sharpness:
**”Momentum is everything heading into the play-offs. The squad rotation needs to turn into consistent performances now. They need to put out strong sides and start winning again to build belief.”**
He also drew parallels with Sheffield United’s situation, suggesting that teams easing off before the play-offs often struggle to turn the switch back on when it matters most.
**Sunderland Must Refocus or Risk Play-Off Struggles**
Although the Black Cats’ recent fixtures have lacked major consequences, Hendrie stressed that maintaining competitive standards is essential to avoid a shock early exit in the play-offs.
The coming weeks will be a major test of Régis Le Bris’s management, as he must lift a squad that has looked mentally and physically tired. Resting players has its benefits, but without momentum and intensity, Sunderland may find it difficult to hit top form when it truly matters.
If Sunderland are serious about earning Premier League promotion, they must treat these remaining games as vital preparation, using them to sharpen their focus and rebuild their winning mentality before facing the pressure of knockout football.
Alious
