A lot of Sunderland news is reported in Italy. Usually the Italian media is only interested in the big guns of the Premier League but when it comes to Sunderland they have quite a few stories each week. The same goes for Southmapton and the link between the two clubs is that they've both recently had Italian directors of footbaal. That leads to lots of Italian agents being involved and in Italy the rumour wheels are oiled in this way, there are lots of leaks to various outlets, not least of which is TMW. On Monday the Italian outlet claimed that Sunderland were already preparing for life after current manager Gustavo Poyet. The Uruguayan has himself cast doubt on his future at the Premier League club, especially if he oversees relegation. TMW say that Sunderland have approached Vladimir Petković, who was sacked as manager of Lazio in January. Petković has a long line of clubs he's been in charge of, Lazio being the biggest name by some way. He's reportedly set to take over from Ottmar Hitzfeld as manager of the Swiss national team after this summer's World Cup. Given that issue, Sunderland have apparently also looked to Ralf Rangnick as a possible alternative because he's currently not managing a team. Rangnick has been working in a director capacity for Red Bull and their football clubs for the past couple of years.
If Poyets walks (and not sacked) and considering how much Poyet earnestly and publicly (begged) asked Short for the for this Managerial role- it would seem a rather bizarre and cowardly situation as he would have a chance to clear out the driftwood and build a team to his liking suiting his own footballing philosophy, in effect make a name for himself and give himself a 'star billing' for stepping up into a 'bigger club' at a later date- If he's sacked by Short for not securing Premiership status - then I would suggest Short is ****ing 'clueless' and from then on we'd be in a downward spiral that could take years to rectify !
If Short sacks Poyet, I will be having a rethink about getting a season ticket for the coming season. Ellis Short will have lost the plot if he does get rid of him.
I seriously hope Poyet stays not only do i like his style and think he can bring stability to the team but there is a serious lack of managers available that I would have over him (that would come to the club obviously)
We lost the last 5 & we may lose the next 6 so what happens if we do lose 11 games in a row? if that does happen then sorry Short should sack him.
Poyet staying is a must IMO but I just get the feeling too many stories are being 'leaked' for there not to be some substance to the rumour. I have for several weeks now, since the cup final, detected a marked change in Poyets demeanour and after match interviews. I think he is fed up ( not as much as us mind) and sees his even short term future elsewhere. Hope I'm wrong but this is my gut feeling.
I also think the papers smell a story and they will do their best to cause trouble, it is time for a joint statement by the manager and the board to end this speculation and all pull together for whatever is in store. We have a great club with good support, we have a manager and chairman who the vast majority wholeheartedly support, the team needs overhauling and who is better to do this than Gus who must by now know what needs to be done.
Gus Poyet basically said the same thing as Paulo Di Canio about the players, with a bit of luck Ellis Short might have a re think about his tactics before he considers sacking Poyet, hopefully this time he might instead kick a few players backsides!
