Lebrides emphasized that Sunderland has a responsibility to finish the season strong.

The 35th round of the 2025/26 Premier League season will feature another crucial match, with Sunderland traveling to Molineux to challenge already relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers. In an interview, Lebrides stated that the previous losing streak was difficult for his team to accept, but he still emphasized that the team has a responsibility to finish the season with a strong performance.

After suffering a humiliating 0-5 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the last round of the league, Sunderland are currently ranked 12th in the standings with 46 points. They have won 2 and lost 3 in their last 5 rounds, including a previous 3-4 defeat to Aston Villa.

Speaking about the previous defeat, Sunderland manager Lebrides said, "It's very painful to lose like that. I think it's both a reminder and a warning about how high the standards are in this league. Even though we started well, we made too many mistakes and gave the opponent opportunities from set pieces and counter-attacks. Nottingham Forest punished us, and the game was effectively over."

"The players tried to get back into the competition, and a goal might have changed the game, but that didn't happen. This shows that once the standard drops, there is a penalty. I also want to be objective; this team has achieved a lot in two years. We were a newly promoted team, beat Newcastle twice, and have 46 points at this stage. Past defeats are indeed hard to accept, but the Premier League is the most competitive league in the world."

Lebrides pointed out, "We've learned lessons from past matches. We conceded nine goals against two teams that participated in the Europa League semi-finals, which illustrates our current level. Therefore, the next challenge is to remain competitive and strive for victory, and then see what these three points mean in the standings."

“We all have a responsibility to finish the season strong, and we must move forward. Sometimes it can feel like the energy level drops towards the end of the season, but I don’t think that’s the case right now, and I expect the team to respond. The players have always been ambitious, but they also have to stay humble. If they start having unrealistic fantasies, it can lead to a drop in standards.”

In addition, Sunderland defeated Wolves 2-0 at home in the first leg of the season, thanks to a goal from Nordi Moukiele and an own goal. After 34 rounds with 3 wins, 8 draws and 23 losses, Wolves are currently ranked 20th in the standings and have already been relegated.

Lebrees said, "Wolves have had a tough season, especially away from home, but they've had some good results at home recently. Even the game against Tottenham was very close."

“They are building momentum for next season, so they will play more freely and be more threatening. That’s the Premier League, even after a difficult season, they can still be very strong.”

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