SUCH are the high standards Regis Le Bris is setting at Sunderland, the day-after debrief following the thumping victory over Sheffield Wednesday was focused on what the Black Cats could have done better.

"That kind of sums up his philosophy," says defender Dennis Cirkin.

"What's happened has happened and what could we do better in the next game."

Improving on the Wednesday performance when Championship leaders Burnley visit the Stadium of Light on Saturday is a huge ask but Le Bris has quickly been able to get his message across to Sunderland's players since his summer arrival.

"He’s exactly what you see - he’s grounded, calm and it’s good to have someone like that," said Cirkin.

"Clarity is so important."

And a fresh start was important for Sunderland after last season's struggles.

"Every new season is a new start but at the same time it’s the same group of players with new motivations and new goals," said the left-back.

"It’s a fresh start to really kick on."

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Last season was desperately frustrating for Cirkin. The 22-year-old was limited to just eight Championship appearances because of injury but he's made an outstanding start to the current campaign alongside Jack Clarke, who plays in front of him on the left flank.

"I think we just understand each other a lot, and I think we've played so much together now, and that includes Jobe as well, that little triangle where we kind of know what we're going to do," he says.

"It's a pleasure to play behind them two.

"Everyone knows Jack is one of our best players. He scores goals, he works hard, it’s a pleasure to play alongside him and the understanding we have is really good.

"I think you can see the identity in our team and how we want to play. We've still got a lot to work on, and me personally as well. I'm still learning under the new gaffer.

"Last year I learned, I learned a lot and I just wanted to come into this season having a clear mind after a good summer.

"I really wanted to make a good start to the season."

Sunderland have recent experience of the importance of not getting carried away despite their Sheffield Wednesday success. The Black Cats put five past Southampton early last season, which was not a sign of things to come on Wearside.

That's why the players will follow the head coach's lead in staying grounded, says Cirkin.

"It's really important that we keep it going through the winter," he says.

"We've got a lot of games and need to keep level-headed and just keep working. I think that's the most important thing.

"At the moment we have to just look at each game as it comes. We can’t get too carried away. We’ve had two good performances but you never know what’s in store for the next game. You can’t look too far ahead, I just look to every game."