Regis Le Bris admits it is an “uncomfortable” time for Sunderland after their unbeaten run in the Europa League was ended by a 2-0 home defeat to Dinamo Zagreb to continue their poor form.

Despite a positive start for the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light, they fell behind when a corner reached the unmarked Luka Stojkovic, who brought the ball down on his chest before smashing home.

The midfielder then set up Dion Drena Beljo to tap past Robin Roefs before the break.

Sunderland had opportunities to get back into the game after the restart but ultimately slipped to their first European loss this season.

It continues a worrying run of form, with the team rock bottom of the Premier League, but Le Bris urged his side to “stick together” during a tricky spell.

He said: “It’s uncomfortable, that’s clear. We don’t like it.

“It’s not unusual in the Premier League. Last year, for example, many clubs – even big clubs – experienced a run without winning for 10 games.

“It’s important to stick together, to keep going until the right moment because in football it’s a question of momentum, dynamic and I believe that we can shift it.”

Sunderland made a quadruple change at half-time and went close two minutes into the second half when Wilson Isidor’s header was ruled out for offside following a VAR check.

Kevin Danso clipped the crossbar and Brian Brobbey had two chances, but despite the Black Cats’ dominance in possession they struggled to get shots in towards the end.

Le Bris made six changes from Saturday’s Premier League defeat to Coventry and admitted a lack of experience told.

He said: “This was probably a bit too heavy for our young lads.

“They are a good team, we faced a good opponent this evening. If you combine the momentum of the squad right now and those young lads, it was probably a bit too high.

“So I won’t blame them because they need experience. This one is a tough one, but an important one for the future.

“I think the second half was a bit different with the core of the squad, five changes after 70 minutes, we showed energy and quality at times.

“We didn’t score, but we created many chances. It is what it is in this period.

“We don’t find at the minute the solution to just shift the momentum. We have to keep going, no choice.”

The win for Dinamo gave Jerko Leko victory in his first game in interim charge.

Leko said: “Of course I’m satisfied with the win, especially with the first half.”