‘Chill and calm’ – Nordi Mukiele reveals Sunderland position preference and delivers verdict on Régis Le Bris

Nordi Mukiele Makes Position Clear and Praises Sunderland Boss Régis Le Bris

New Sunderland signing Nordi Mukiele has wasted no time in clarifying his preferred position after joining the club from Paris Saint-Germain. Speaking after making his debut in the Carabao Cup defeat to Huddersfield Town, the 27-year-old stated he’s happy to play where needed—but views himself primarily as a right-back.

“I prefer to play as a right-back,” Mukiele said. “Today, the coach asked me to play at centre-back, and I accepted it without hesitation. I go out there and do my job. But if I had to choose, it would definitely be right-back. I’m here to support the team, and that’s what I’ll keep doing all season.”

Mukiele also offered high praise for head coach Régis Le Bris, describing him as a calming presence and an effective communicator.

“He’s really calm, very composed. That kind of energy helps players a lot,” he explained. “The way he talks, how he guides us—it’s very clear. The whole coaching staff is great at communicating, which is so important, especially because we know there will be difficult moments this season. Having a coach who knows how to lead calmly is essential.”

He added that experienced players like himself and Granit Xhaka, his former teammate at Bayer Leverkusen, will also play key roles in helping the team grow through challenges.

Mukiele credited Xhaka with influencing his decision to join Sunderland.

“When someone like Granit speaks, you listen. We were only chatting a little, but knowing his background and achievements, I took his words seriously. We had a great connection at Leverkusen, both on and off the pitch.”

Mukiele explained that his move to Wearside wasn’t just about joining a Premier League club, but rather about being part of a meaningful project under Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.

“I didn’t just come because the club was promoted,” he said. “There’s something deeper about this place—the history, the ambition, the energy. It felt right, and I don’t regret the decision at all. I’ll fight for this club from the first day to the last.”

He was particularly moved by the reception at the Stadium of Light during Sunderland’s 3-0 win over West Ham on the opening weekend.

“It’s very different from Germany and France. The atmosphere here is incredible,” he said. “When I saw the fans, the scoreline, the passion—it made everything clear. This is why we play football. This is why I want to fight for this jersey.”

Looking ahead to the Premier League campaign, Mukiele urged fans to be patient as the new squad takes shape.

“In football, success doesn’t come just because you buy players. It takes time. But the quality in this team is clear, and I believe in what the coach is building. We’ll do something good—maybe not instantly—but it will come. I’m confident.”