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| Frustrated and in wrath: Di Canio's reign ends in defeat |
The Black Cats' senior management team are now searching for their 6th permanent manager in under 5 years - Steve Bruce and Martin O'Neill have been the biggest managerial departures from Wearside in recent years.
THE PLAYERS' WORST ENEMY?
Di Canio, who maintains his aura of aggression from playing days, was at the subject of pressure in the weeks leading up to his sacking. After the Black Cats were thrashed 3-0 by West Bromwich Albion last Saturday, Di Canio held a fiery team meeting, which ultimately led to a vast number of first-team players calling for his sack which they instigated by reporting to Sunderland CEO Margaret Byrne. However, it can be argued that the players were at large, unhappy with his somewhat irrational regime. Towards the latter stages of the 2012-13 season, Di Canio infamously banned the use of mobile phones, tomato ketchup and mayonnaise at the club's Cleadon training ground. In addition, he also condemned the addition of ice to Coca-Cola. Although it may not be crystal clear right now, it can be argued that some players might have rebelled against Di Canio and perhaps even hated him for his strict diet.
This is not the first time that there has been a misunderstanding between Di Canio and his players. In August 2011, whilst at charge at Swindon, the Italian who intervened in an argument between then-new signing Leon Clarke and fitness coach Claudio Donatelli, was embroiled in a row between the former and had to be separated. This came after the Wiltshire outfit lost 3-1 to Southampton in the League Cup 2nd round that season.
If any positives can be taken from Di Canio's short-lived reign, the 3-0 win over North-East rivals Newcastle in April was one for the history books. What made that win all the more emphatic was that it was his first home league game in charge at home. His first game in charge of the Black Cats was a 2-1 away defeat to Chelsea, a week earlier.
And wherever Di Canio goes next, potential recruiters will undoubtedly be aware of the Italian's controversies, of which consists his former Fascist views and admiration of former dictator Benito Mussolini whilst as a player at Lazio. It can be argued that he is not a man in demand and it is fair to say that at large, he will not be welcomed warmly at his new employers, should he find a new club.
For the fans, who were extremely critical of Sunderland's start to this season, they will be demanding a change in fortunes from caretaker manager Kevin Ball, when the Black Cats face Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool at home this Sunday.
WHAT NEXT FOR SUNDERLAND?
Although Ball has expressed his desire to take the Sunderland job full-time, he may not be favoured by the fans and could thus be better off maintaining his role as senior professional development coach. There is no doubt that an experienced coach would be best fit for the Black Cats hotseat and below are a number of potential coaches Sunderland could recruit:
1) Roberto Di Matteo: Has been without a job since leaving Chelsea last year. He led the Blues to a historic UEFA Champions League triumph in 2012.
2) Gus Poyet: The Uruguayan was sacked whilst on-air on the BBC this summer after a largely successful spell with Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.
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| Get Him: Dick Advocaat |
3) Dick Advocaat: Rightly considered a world-class coach, the 66-year-old has been in management since 1980 and among his honours is the attainment of two Scottish Premier League titles with Rangers.
Whatever happens, if there is something that the Stadium of Light faithful demand, that is results - positive ones.
CREDITS:
Dick Advoccat image: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/7594670/Dick-Advocaat-resigns-as-Belgium-coach.html
