Birthday Clash: Sunderland’s Coach Bets on Grit, Not Gifts, as City Stand in the Way
4 December 2025
Preview
Reiji Le Breeze, Sunderland's manager, does not expect a birthday gift from Pep Guardiola, as he prepares for a special occasion.
Le Breeze will celebrate turning 50 when Sunderland visits Manchester City on Saturday for a Premier League clash on matchday 15.
The Sunderland boss told BBC that Guardiola probably won't gift him anything, but a full commitment from his side remains crucial.
The Black Cats arrive on the back of a 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.
Regarding the Liverpool stalemate, the coach said they play in their own style and believe they can win anywhere; Liverpool created chances, and while they had a late opportunity, it wasn't enough to claim three points.
The crowd pressed Liverpool hard, which pleases their supporters, and another tough test awaits away in three days.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he called the performance in the first half impressive and his side's approach as good as it gets, even if a goal eluded them until the second period.
He added they tried to score again until the end, but it proved difficult and the team did not create enough chances in the second half.
Finally, he stressed their humility and hunger to learn, saying if you don't learn in this league, success remains out of reach, so growth and improvement are the goals.
Punchline 1: If patience were a weapon, Sunderland would already lift the trophy—Guardiola gifts are not included.
Punchline 2: And if cleverness could score goals, Sunderland would need Guardiola to coach a miracle trick: the ball disappears, and the scoreboard smiles elsewhere.
