http://www1.skysports.com/football/...a-flattered-by-link-to-sunderland-manager-job Premier League: Watford boss Zola flattered by link to Sunderland manager job Gianfranco Zola: Flattered to be linked to Sunderland job Watford manager Gianfranco Zola's says he is flattered to be named among the bookmakers' favourites to succeed Paolo Di Canio as Sunderland manager. Di Canio was sacked on Sunday following a poor start to the season that saw the club take only one point from five Premier League games - and only hours after a training ground inquest into Saturday's 3-0 defeat at West Brom. Kevin Ball has been appointed caretaker manager but Zola has been linked along with former Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo, Gus Poyet, Tony Pulis and Alex McLeish. Gianfranco Zola says he is flattered to be favourite for the vacant Sunderland job but insists he is happy to stay at Watford Zola is happy to be mentioned as a contender, but he is also focused on his job at Watford. The Italian told Sky Sports News: "Of course I am flattered that I have been considered but I am really happy over here and like what I am doing. "I think my growth as a manager has been massive and so I want to fulfil this task that I will be here." "Of course I am flattered that I have been considered but I am really happy over here (at Watford) and like what I am doing." Gianfranco Zola Di Canio was axed after some senior Sunderland players complained to the club about him, Sky sources understand. In the fallout from that meeting, some of the club's senior men went above Di Canio's head to express their concerns about his management style. In his six months on Wearside Di Canio increased the workload in training and was at times publicly critical of his players but - this season, at least - his methods have not paid off. Ball - a player on Wearside for almost all of the 1990s - will reprise a role he previously held for 10 games following Mick McCarthy's 2006 departure. He said: "The situation last time was slightly different to this time, but it did give you an experience, whether it be for one or 10 games. "I enjoyed it last time and I hope I feel the same way about this one as well. It allows you to say, 'Well, I have done it before, it's not something that's unexpected'. "I have coached for 10 years, so within that, you do so many things that a manager would do anyhow, it's not a fantastically, unbelievable step."
He was beaming on SSN this morning and had a real glint in his eye. He said all the right things about finishing his project at Watford which shoes he had the nouse to be politically correct. I too think he would leap at the chance though.
I'm not so sure. He seems to be enjoying what he's doing now. Why would he leave that to come to a club in crises miles away from London?
Not sure he would. The way to look at it is he could be promoted at the end of the season and we could be relegated at the end of the season. So I dont think he would leave his own players and set-up for a team who he could well switch position with in 8 months time. Better the devil you know and all that.
Don't know like, He'll be looking at Watford and us and he'd be valid in thinking that watford are in a stronger position then us. He's set up, established style, going strong.
To add though, The link up with Di fanti and Angeloni would attract him after exploiting the Udinese model for Watford's progression.
Its not unrealistic to say that there is as much chance of Watford being in.the premier league next season as us. I can't see him at SAFC
Why is he suddenley seen as a good manager? He did ****e at West Ham and at Watford has the benefit of being given Udinese's players for a snippet of their true value as the owners try to get promoted on the sly. And yes I know this has got nowt to do with me.
I'd go for Mancini. I think you'd be surprised and he might be up for it, unless he's hanging on for Italy when Prandelli quits after the world cup. And what's Jupp Heynckes' up to nowadays? Didnt he say he wasnt retiring, simply leaving the Bayern job? Edit - just seen Stramaccioni is as little as 20/1. Jesus, he was an absolute disaster. Last season Inter conceded the 2nd most in Serie A, only bottom club Pescara conceded more. He'd be an absolute friggin' nightmare for you.
