The pressure continues to mount on Régis Le Bris after Sunderland suffered defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League on Thursday.
Luka Stojković and Dion Drena Beljo netted first-half strikes as the Croatian champions secured a comfortable 2-0 victory at the Stadium of Light.
The result leaves Sunderland with just one victory from their last six matches, with the Black Cats also sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table.
Elsewhere in the Europa League, Crystal Palace battled to a late 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim and Bournemouth beat Sparta Prague 3-1.
Le Bris wants more quality
According to Sky Sports, Sunderland boss Le Bris spoke to TNT Sports following the game and said: “We had two different halves. The first one was difficult with many young players.
“This period is not easy to manage and we felt even if they tried, it’s heavy at the minute. It’s not easy to change the dynamic.
“I appreciated the reaction in the second half even though there were more experienced players. More quality, more experience on the pitch.
“We are unlucky because we created many chances but it wasn’t enough. It’s like this – when you go on a poor run, it’s hard to change the dynamic.
“I’m pleased with the energy, competitiveness until the end. Now we need more quality. It’s fair to say that, because at the minute it’s not the case.
“We are still combative. The players tried until the end to show something different. We know that the most important game this week is at the end of the week against Chelsea.”
READ MORE: Everton vs Coventry City betting tips, team news and predictions
‘This situation will define us’
Asked about Black Cats’ seeming lack of confidence on the pitch, Le Bris added: “We have good players, a good team.
“I believe this team has a really big potential. We showed it last season, but you also have to experience tough situations.
“Last season, it happened a bit later when we had 30, 35 points. Now, the situation is different.
“This situation will define us as a team, as a club, with our fans, with staff – we’ll stick together and be combative until the end.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Andoni Iraola rues ‘cheap’ and ‘messy’ goals after Liverpool collapse in Istanbul
