(Credit: Imago)
Thu 14 August 2025 13:05, UK
Regis Le Bris may face the pressure of Sunderland supporters if his captaincy call does not pay dividends.
Sunderland announced Granit Xhaka as their new captain, and whilst most fans were supportive of the announcement a couple questioned the decision.
Xhaka only joined Sunderland this summer from Bayern Leverkusen, and he has a history as captain at Arsenal and it did not end well for the Swiss international as he was stripped of the honour following an angry reaction to fans after he was substituted in a match against Crystal Palace.
Le Bris is leading Sunderland into the top flight for the first time in eight seasons and cannot afford the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light to turn toxic at any time throughout the season.
Xhaka discipline concerns
Xhaka is new Sunderland captain. (Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)
The 32-year-old did return to become vice-captain following a remarkable turn of fortunes in North London, though his tendency to make rash decisions and cost his team matches by being sent off remained throughout his time at Arsenal.
Xhaka needs to keep his frustrations in check as Sunderland will be the underdogs in many of their Premier League encounters this season.
Apperances225Yellow Cards55Red Cards4Xhaka’s card count in the Premier League with Arsenal as per Transfermarkt
Le Bris will face the wrath of the Sunderland crowd if Xhaka does not perform in the role, especially given he has stripped Dan Neil and Luke O’Nien of the responsibility.
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Neil came through the academy at the club, whilst O’Nien has been on Wearside for seven seasons through their rise from League One.
Loyal duo may force Xhaka u-turn
Former Sunderland captain Dan Neil. (Credit: Imago)
Neil and O’Nien remain at Sunderland, with the former expected to drop to the bench amid their summer arrivals in midfield, which includes Xhaka.
O’Nien looks set to remain in the team at centre-back and Sunderland supporters may want the armband returned to the 30-year-old on the pitch if the Black Cats and Xhaka begin to struggle.
The defender, who can also play in midfield, has proven to be a warrior for Sunderland and a huge fan favourite amongst a passionate support base.
Xhaka is therefore under pressure to make a good first impression in the role, otherwise Le Bris will have a tough decision to make which could be an uncomfortable u-turn for the manager.
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