Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris is preparing his team for their first European campaign since the 1973-74 season. Le Bris was nominated for Premier League manager of the season after guiding Sunderland to a seventh-placed finish and qualifying for the Europa League following promotion from the Championship. The French manager has been busy recruiting for the upcoming season and has spoken about the importance of maintaining a routine despite the break. Le Bris has also spoken about the influence of Pep Guardiola's Barcelona team during his time as a youth coach at Rennes. He has said that he would say that one of the most important periods for him as a coach was Barcelona between 2008 and 2012. Le Bris has also spoken about his love of surfing and how he likes to ride a wave when the conditions are perfect. However, he has ruled out trying it in the North Sea. The Sunderland manager has been in high demand since his impressive season with the club, and he has spoken about the importance of staying focused on the task at hand. Le Bris has also spoken about the influence of his countrymen Arsène Wenger and Gérard Houllier, who were leaving their fingerprints on English football during his time as a player. He has said that he would say that one of the most important periods for him as a coach was Barcelona between 2008 and 2012. Le Bris has also spoken about the importance of learning from other coaches and teams, and he has said that he would say that one of the most important periods for him as a coach was Barcelona between 2008 and 2012. The Sunderland manager has been in high demand since his impressive season with the club, and he has spoken about the importance of staying focused on the task at hand. Le Bris has also spoken about the influence of his countrymen Arsène Wenger and Gérard Houllier, who were leaving their fingerprints on English football during his time as a player.