Sunderland should be riding a wave of excitement this season — the club's first European campaign in 53 years, including a trip to AC Milan, was meant to signal a new era. Instead, their domestic form has become a source of deep anxiety, with manager Regis Le Bris facing mounting questions over his future.

After nine Premier League games, the Black Cats sit bottom of the table with just one win and six defeats. Last season's surprise seventh-placed finish — which included a stunning double over both Chelsea and Newcastle, and draws against Arsenal and Manchester City — now feels a distant memory.

What went wrong?

Following a 3-1 defeat at Coventry City last Saturday, captain Granit Xhaka publicly questioned his side's "courage." That came weeks after French defender Nordi Mukiele accused the squad of becoming "arrogant." Both men were among Sunderland's standout performers last season, contributing to 11 clean sheets in the top flight — yet their form has dipped sharply this term.

"I don't know exactly what the problem is," Xhaka admitted. "Is it concentration? Is it other things? We are bottom of the league but in football you need to think positive and to show courage as well. This is not the case at the moment."

Carl Jenkinson, who played alongside Xhaka at Arsenal, described his former team-mate's comments as "concerning," adding that Xhaka "seemed really deflated," which he described as very out of character.

The Europe effect

Many observers point to the demands of European football as a significant factor. Sunderland have actually performed well in the UEFA Europa League — winning two and drawing one of their opening three league phase fixtures — but the Thursday-Sunday schedule has taken a toll on their Premier League performances. They have lost two and drawn one of the three domestic games played in the wake of European nights.

French football expert Julien Laurens identified the fixture congestion as a key issue. "It could be a distraction for the players — especially those who have never played in Europe before," he said. "You play Thursday-Sunday and that's a very different dynamic to what Sunderland had last season."

Injury, red cards, and thin margins

Sunderland have managed only seven league goals all season, two of which came from the penalty spot. Three of those seven were scored in a single 3-5 defeat at Manchester City. The team have also ended three matches with 10 men — Reinildo Mandava was sent off against Arsenal, Kevin Danso against Bournemouth, and Omar Alderete against Coventry. They have failed to score before half-time in seven of their nine league outings.

Forward Brian Brobbey, who scored seven league goals last season before netting three for the Netherlands at the World Cup, has yet to find the back of the net since returning from a hamstring injury. Sunderland invested only £60 million on five players this summer, compared with £161 million on 15 signings the previous year.

Is Le Bris safe?

BBC Sport understands Le Bris' position is not under immediate threat, and the club's hierarchy intends to give him more time. The Frenchman has been in charge since July 2024 — the longest-serving Sunderland manager since Steve Bruce — and has genuine credit for delivering promotion and European qualification.

He has also guided the club into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, where they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. But with Sunderland sitting two points from safety, patience will only stretch so far.

Former Sunderland loanee Nedum Onuoha was candid about the situation. "This season it is five points from nine games with seven goals scored — that speaks for itself," he told BBC Sport. "It doesn't feel at the minute that things are heading in the right direction."

Laurens was equally blunt: "I look at Sunderland and I'm not seeing him find the solutions to turn things around. For me that is really worrying."

Thursday's Europa League home fixture against Dinamo Zagreb offers a temporary reprieve before Sunday's visit of Chelsea. A win over the European champions would at least lift the mood — but it is the domestic picture that now defines this season's true stakes for the Black Cats.