RabiuPhillips Urges Le Bris: Bench Brobbey After Fulham Flop
Sunderland icon Kevin Phillips has issued a stark warning to manager Regis Le Bris: don’t risk starting Brian Brobbey again until he steps up his game.
The ex-England international and Sky Sports analyst was scathing in his assessment of the Dutch striker’s display during Sunderland’s 3-1 Premier League defeat at Fulham on Saturday.
Brobbey, the £12 million winter acquisition from Ajax, was given his maiden start in the top flight but endured a torrid afternoon at Craven Cottage. Subbed off after 68 minutes, he managed only 19 touches, completed eight passes, won one aerial battle, and failed to muster a single shot on target. His heavy first touch and four offside flags epitomized a disjointed Sunderland attack against a Fulham side that dominated despite rotating their squad.
On Sky Sports’ post-match coverage, Phillips pulled no punches.
“You just can’t persist with him based on that,” the 52-year-old declared. “Brobbey’s got the build and background, no doubt, but he looked completely out of his depth. No movement, zero confidence, and the hold-up play was abysmal. Le Bris has alternatives – Jobe Bellingham can lead the line, Aaron Connolly’s regained fitness, and Eliezer Mayenda’s been impressive in cameos. In a Premier League survival scrap, you can’t afford dead weight up front.”
Le Bris, who guided Sunderland to promotion last season, conceded post-game that Brobbey “requires adjustment to the Premier League’s pace.” The French boss noted the 23-year-old had impressed in training but “struggled under pressure” against Fulham’s backline.
Insiders at the Stadium of Light report Brobbey was distraught after his substitution, exchanging words with a coach on the sidelines. The club downplays any internal discord, but Phillips insists action is needed.
“Le Bris is composed and tactical, but ruthlessness wins games,” Phillips continued. “If Brobbey doesn’t transform in sessions this week, he shouldn’t feature against Middlesbrough. We didn’t splash the cash for underwhelming cameos.”
With Sunderland hovering above the relegation zone and 12 fixtures left, Le Bris must decide: nurture the expensive import or sideline him to safeguard points? Phillips’ verdict is unequivocal – until Brobbey ignites, keep him reserved.
Bangerboy