Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Chelsea at Stadium of Light (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Defender Nordi Mukiel "should be" available for Sunday after missing the past two games.

• On Sunderland's form - they have suffered back-to-back defeats and not won in the Premier League since 30 August - Le Bris said: "It is part of the journey. Often, when we get successes, we think about the last part of the journey but we forget about how tough it was before. Last year, we weren't expected to end seventh in the league. It wasn't a comfortable experience and we don't like it, but we have to show the way and keep the energy high. When I wake up in the morning, I have this energy and I like it, and I have to give it to the players."

• He added: "This morning was painful [after the Europa League loss to Dinamo Zagreb] but they are ready for the next fight. We need more clarity as a team because at the minute we are a bit too exposed. It is part of the journey and a strong reminder to our players how we want to achieve our goals."

• On how to turn form around: "The experience is always fun. I think we getter through difficult experiences and you remind yourself what could have been better and you try to avoid your mistakes. It is a new chapter to write. The pillars are always the same. We need to be pragmatic first because it is clear if you concede goals it is more difficult to win the game. But, at the same time, we need to keep the creativity and the bravery."

• He added: "The boss continued to speak about the consistency with defenders, "we knew Dan Ballard was important last year. You have ups and downs and when things are a bit harder you have to protect them. In two or three weeks, when we are more confident and in a better shape, we can afford to play like we used to play."

• On how his team can win against Chelsea, who they beat at home on the final day of last season to seal their European qualification: "We have done it before with more or less the same squad, so it is possible. We have had many conversations with our leadership group. They are important because they will show the way."

• Finally, Le Bris spoke about how the Stadium of Light atmosphere can help his team: "The crowd is a key part of Sunday. It is the connection with the squad. Also, they need to back us when it's harder and they have this power and passion to do that."