00:00The last few days have seen Sunderland away on a warm-weather training camp ahead of their return to the Premier League.
00:07Whilst on it, they have played in two friendly matches against Sevilla of Spain and Sporting Lisbon of Portugal.
00:14Both games saw Sunderland field different 11s in both halves of their encounters.
00:20And against Sevilla, they came through with a 1-1 draw, having led for much of the match, and then were beaten by Sporting Lisbon by one goal to nil.
00:30Certainly, it has been a productive time for Sunderland as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.
00:36And of course, getting to know all of their new players and integrating them into the squad has been key for Regis Labris as Sunderland get ready to compete in England's top tier.
00:47Sunderland, of course, have been very busy in the transfer window so far, spending over £100m with new additions to their squad
00:56in the hope of increasing the depth and, indeed, the quality that they possess as a club.
01:02So, let's hear from Regis Labris himself, the Sunderland's head coach, who was speaking after the side lost to Sporting Lisbon,
01:10as well as one of the new signings, Noah Siddiqui.
01:12Both were pleased with what has been done in Portugal over the last week or so.
01:18Lebris was perhaps a little bit disappointed at the results against Sporting Lisbon.
01:23He said that Sunderland are still building, and whilst the result isn't perhaps the most important thing in the world,
01:28things will still get better for them.
01:30Whereas Siddiqui, who played a part in both games against Sevilla and Sporting Lisbon,
01:34said it was a good workout and also good to help develop relationships between himself and some of his new teammates at Sunderland.
01:42Of course, Siddiqui is one of several who have joined the club, and all of whom were involved in these games.
01:49But Sunderland, of course, unfortunately lost Romain Mundell to an injury.
01:53He's now had surgery and so will likely miss the start of the season, along with Luko Nayan as well.
01:58But let's hear now from Lebris and from Siddiqui, following the game against Sporting Lisbon, to hear their thoughts.
02:07Yes, two different halves again, because we split the group two parts for 45 minutes each.
02:16I think the tensions were good, again. I think the energy of the squad was really interesting.
02:23We struggled a bit to manage the depth. During the first half, we conceded the goal as the only opportunity they had, I think.
02:32So, I think it's better to make that mistake right now, to understand exactly how we want to defend against this kind of squad.
02:43Because they were mature, well-organized, with different options, true and in behind.
02:48So, it's good to manage this kind of problem early in the season, and we created chances.
02:58Unfortunately, we didn't score, and I think it's very important, even now, when you can create so many chances, to be a bit more clinical, because it will be key this season.
03:09So, I'm happy with the energy, happy with the way we created these same chances, but at the end, we have to score.
03:19I think as a team, we played quite well, both games, as well the first and the second halves.
03:26But yeah, today against Sporting, we just didn't win, didn't finish our chances.
03:31I think we can learn about it, about the mistakes, and don't forget what we did well in the games, as well.
03:39For you, as well, your first appearances in a Sunderland shirt, you've had a chance to really bet in to the squad and get to know the lads a little bit more on this trip.
03:48Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think it was cool to play, finally, because I've been waiting a long time for it.
03:55I didn't play the first game against our shells, but now, yeah, I'm happy to play, happy to show what I can do and help the team out.
04:04Do you feel like you're really getting a flavour for what Sunderland is about at this moment in time, you know, meeting the lads and seeing the fans in the stand?
04:11Yeah, but I think I didn't play in the big stadium yet, so I'm looking forward to it.
04:17But, yeah, to see the fans in here, playing with the teammates, giving everything for the team is already a good feeling.
04:27And this week comes to an end in Portugal. How have you found it? Lots of hard work and lots of friendships made as well?
04:34Yeah, yeah, yeah. Lots of friends. You can see they're behind.
04:38But, yeah, it was fine to have this camp. I get to know everybody a little bit better.
