Sunderland are reportedly considering former rival manager as a possible replacement for Regis Le Bris, with uncertainty surrounding the Frenchman’s position continuing to increase.
Le Bris is facing mounting pressure following Sunderland’s disappointing start to their Premier League campaign, with the Black Cats sitting at the bottom of the standings after recording just one victory from their opening nine matches.
Although the manager earned considerable credit for guiding Sunderland into the Premier League and securing European football last season, recent results have reportedly raised concerns among the club’s hierarchy.
Former Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the club have started assessing potential managerial alternatives, with Frank emerging as one of the names attracting attention.
The 53-year-old’s Premier League experience and current availability have reportedly made him an attractive option should Sunderland eventually decide to part ways with Le Bris.
However, it remains unclear where the former Brentford and Tottenham manager stands on the club’s list of potential candidates.
Behind the scenes, Sunderland are understood to be considering contingency plans, with several experienced coaches being monitored in case a managerial change becomes necessary.
Could Sunderland sack Regis Le Bris?
Brown previously suggested on November 2 that Le Bris could have just two matches to improve his situation, with Sunderland’s upcoming fixtures potentially influencing the board’s decision.
The Black Cats are scheduled to welcome Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League before hosting Chelsea in the Premier League, with both encounters taking place at the Stadium of Light.
Although other reports indicate that Sunderland remain prepared to support their manager, there is growing pressure for the team to start collecting league points.
Brown explained to Football Insider that replacing Le Bris would require careful consideration, as Sunderland must be confident that any new appointment would deliver the improvement they are seeking.
He stressed that dismissing a manager without identifying a suitable replacement could leave the club facing the same difficulties.
Discussing Thomas Frank’s potential availability, Brown suggested that the former Tottenham boss would certainly attract Sunderland’s attention if they decided to make a change.
Frank is currently without a managerial position and is reportedly interested in returning to football management, making a move to the Stadium of Light a potential opportunity.
However, Brown acknowledged that Frank’s disappointing experience at Tottenham could raise questions, despite the impressive reputation he established during his time at Brentford.
The former Brentford manager remains highly regarded for his work at the Gtech Community Stadium, where he developed a competitive Premier League side.
Nevertheless, Brown pointed out that Sunderland has other managerial candidates they could consider, meaning Frank’s position would depend on how highly he ranks among the available options.
For now, the former chief scout believes Sunderland are more inclined to continue with Le Bris, questioning whether the available alternatives would necessarily deliver better results.
Thomas Frank’s stance on potential Sunderland appointment
Whether Sunderland could secure Frank’s services may ultimately depend on his willingness to return to management after taking time away from the game.
There are indications that the Danish coach is increasingly open to returning to the dugout, particularly with Premier League opportunities potentially becoming available.
Brown previously told Football Insider in September that Frank was interested in returning to top-flight management and prepared to consider suitable opportunities.
That development could place Sunderland in a position to explore an approach if they eventually decide that Le Bris’ tenure must come to an end.
However, the Black Cats are unlikely to be the only club monitoring the former Brentford manager.
Crystal Palace have also been linked with Frank amid uncertainty surrounding their managerial situation and growing pressure on Pierre-Sagot.
The Eagles could reportedly consider the Danish tactician if they decide to make a change, potentially creating competition between the two Premier League clubs.
Frank’s experience at Brentford and Tottenham makes him an established name in the managerial market, but his next destination remains uncertain.
For Sunderland, the immediate priority remains improving their results and determining whether Le Bris can turn their season around before the club considers making a significant decision in the dugout.
