After Regis Le Bris Snubbed Coventry, Chris Rigg’s Stunning Reaction Leaves Sunderland Manager Speechless

Sunderland teenager Chris Rigg earned the admiration of head coach Regis Le Bris following the Black Cats’ 2-1 victory over Coventry City in the first leg of their play-off semi-final. Despite being a key figure throughout the season — having made 43 appearances, scored four goals, and registered one assist — Rigg was surprisingly omitted from the starting line-up for the clash at the CBS Arena. Le Bris made the bold tactical decision to shift to a two-striker formation, opting instead for Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor up front. The gamble paid off, with both forwards getting on the scoresheet, while another significant change — replacing Chris Mepham with Dan Ballard — also proved successful as Ballard delivered a man-of-the-match performance.

While the changes brought success, they were tough calls, particularly for players like Rigg and Mepham, who had been central to the team’s campaign. Le Bris acknowledged that both were understandably disappointed by the decision, but praised their professionalism and team-first mentality. He highlighted how both players stayed connected to the squad’s goals and remained supportive, showing maturity beyond their years. Le Bris emphasized the importance of unity in the squad, especially during the high-stakes environment of the play-offs, noting that success requires more than just the starting XI — it relies on the strength and readiness of the entire bench.

Rigg, in particular, underlined his importance and maturity with a strong performance off the bench. Just 11 minutes after being introduced in the second half, he played a key role in the decisive goal that edged Sunderland ahead in the tie. Le Bris was full of praise for how Rigg responded, both in the private conversation following his omission and in his on-field impact. The coach described the teenager’s attitude as “impressive,” noting that such maturity at 17 is rare and invaluable for the team. With the second leg looming, Le Bris stressed the importance of his substitutes, pointing out that players like Rigg could again be crucial in determining the outcome.