Sunderland head for Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night looking to get back on track after successive Championship defeats all but ended their hopes of automatic promotion.
The Black Cats remain 12 points ahead of seventh place, so have a comfortable buffer in the play-offs, but Le Bris is desperate to regain some momentum in the final 12 games of the campaign.
To do that, they’ll have to find a way to overcome opposing teams that set up in a low block, particularly on Wearside, as was the case on Saturday, with Hull City not showing too much attacking ambition and happy to defend their lead after their first half opener.
Struggling Cardiff are the next visitors to the Stadium of Light, followed by Preston, with both teams likely to head for Wearside intent on frustrating Sunderland.
“It is something we have to think about, especially with the way they (Hull) played after the goal,” admitted Le Bris.
“It is not just our problem – this problem is really difficult to solve for lost of teams that encounter it.
“When you have to manage a low block, it is never easy. We tried a few things against Hull – for example, we had lots of crosses from the right-hand side – but maybe we didn’t get enough bodies into the box.
“I don’t know, it is something we will have to analyse deeply. In the end, it is probably a question of small details that can make the difference. We couldn’t solve the problem against Hull, so we will have to be better at that in the future.”
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When Sunderland are facing sides with little attacking ambition, Le Bris says the supporters also have a key role to play. Patience, he says, is key on the pitch and in the stands, though he admits his side have to give the fans something to shout about.
“The relationship with the crowd is very important,” said the Frenchman.
“The crowd and the fans can give extra energy if you are struggling a bit, maybe because the game is a little bit flat. There can be different reasons for that, and they can help, cheering for some pressing, a tackle, a cross.
“That was the case at Leeds, where at the end of the game, you could feel the opposition benefiting from the energy in the stadium.
“But at the same time, we have to deserve this link. It is not just a question of the fans or the crowd, it is a question of us as well. Sometimes, we have to accelerate the game to generate the excitement in the crowd. It is on us as a team and as players to do that.”
Friday’s opponents Sheffield Wednesday have lost three of their last four games but are still 12th and only six points off the play-off places.
