Derby County takes on Sunderland on Tuesday night at the Stadium of Light.
Leo Hjelde has pleased Regis Le Bris since joining the team, and he thinks he will get opportunities to play this season.
Despite being a consistent member of the matchday squad this season, the Sunderland defender has not yet participated in a league minute. Hjelde made an impression during the preseason by switching to his more comfortable position in the middle of defence, but he hasn’t had a chance to play yet due to the intense battle for spots.
Although Chris Mepham has established himself alongside Luke O’Nien in defence this week, it is doubtful that this will alter. Nevertheless, Le Bris has reassured Hjelde that he believes in him for when the right chance arises. This season, Le Bris’ team has looked quite settled thus far, and he and his coaching staff believe that collaborating closely with those who are not directly involved is essential.
“He’s very close to the team and he will have opportunities for sure,” Le Bris stated.
“He is still very connected to the team, he is a good player, and he has a good mentality.” Someone like this is what we need. Although they are not now actively involved, they are close to the team, therefore I’m sure he will get some playing time.
“It’s important to talk and take care of every player,” he said.
“The highly engaged core group finds it effortless to engage with us due to our frequent feedback sessions and meetings. We need to look after the others as coaches and technical staff since we lack this knowledge of the game, but we can still talk to them about how they can get better, the project, and other things.”
Dan Ballard is expected to miss both of Sunderland’s home games this week owing to an ankle injury he sustained against Plymouth Argyle, so Hjelde will be crucial backup. A week later, Ballard was cleared to start off the bench against Middlesbrough, although he was not there for Watford’s loss.
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