Wearsiders adore Paolo Di Canio for his brief tenure as Sunderland’s manager. In March 2013, the Italian took over for Martin O’Neill, and his job was to retain the team in the Premier League.
He then led Sunderland to a 3-0 victory over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park, setting off Di Canio’s famous knee-slapping celebrations. The 55-year-old was fired in September after the Black Cats won just one of their final five games of the season but still managed to finish in the top five.
Even though his previous managerial position was with Wearside more than ten years ago, it seems he is still following the success of his old team in the Championship.
During an autograph session, Di Canio was recorded by @djb100 talking about Sunderland’s recent performance on TikTok. “They have done a good job throughout the season,” he stated. “It is evident that you are doing well when you are in the top six.”
“But right now, they really need to strive harder, you know, because with their fans, their families, and the stadium, I can’t picture Sunderland not being in the Premier League. They should play in the Premier League because they are that good.
The absence of former foreign managers at Sunderland
We brought in a lot of foreign managers during our latter years in the Premier League, and Paolo Di Canio was one of them. He wasn’t very talented, but the fans really adored him.
The Uruguayan Gus Poyet and the former Netherlands coach Dick Advocaat, who were both highly regarded on Wearside, succeeded the former West Ham attacker. The three managers are still the only ones from outside the UK and Ireland that manage Sunderland, but that might all change come summertime.
Although they haven’t made the leap yet, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman seem to have spent the last few years studying young managers overseas.
Given how little Michael Beale has been able to accomplish this season, I would be shocked if the Sunderland owners don’t search throughout Europe for a long-term replacement.
Everyone’s thoughts will be focused on Will Still, who should cause far less havoc than Di Canio, Poyet, and Advocaat combined.
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