(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

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.

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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.

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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.

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.
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