Former Sunderland midfielder Julio Arca says he "believes in" Regis Le Bris' divisive approach to the end of the Championship season.
Having qualified for the play-offs earlier this month, other results going the Black Cats' way meant they officially secured fourth place on Monday despite the 1-0 loss to Blackburn Rovers.
It has been widely expected for months that fourth would be Sunderland's finishing position in the league table having been there since November.
As a result of his side's safe status, Le Bris has picked a rotated line-up managing the minutes of star players such as Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg, Enzo Le Fee, Dan Neil and Patrick Roberts.