BBC · Sep 19, 2024
Boro is not the real derby for Sunderland - Le Bris
Regis Le Bris has won four of his five league games as Sunderland head coachSunderland head coach Regis Le Bris said that in his mind Saturday's match with Middlesbrough will not count as a real derby.
The game at the Stadium of Light (12:30 BST) will be the 154th meeting of the Wear-Tees derby, with Sunderland leading the rivalry 62-54.
"The most important derby from my knowledge is Newcastle," the Frenchman, who was appointed in June, told BBC Newcastle.
"Middlesbrough is an interesting fixture but I am not sure for the fans that we play a specific derby this Saturday."