PAOLO Di Canio insists the ârevolutionâ to Sunderlandâs playing squad was essential this summer to weed out the bad habits among his troops. Sunderland have been the most active Premier League side in the transfer market during the close season after adding eight players to the first-team squad, with Di Canio hopeful of landing another three before the transfer window closes. Eight players have departed the Stadium of Light too â out-of-contract pair Titus Bramble and Matt Kilgallon, loan duo Kader Mangane and Danny Rose, the sales of Simon Mignolet and Ahmed Elmohamady, plus Danny Graham and Alfred NâDiaye leaving on season-long loans. Di Canio, pictured, says he has not been shocked that Sunderland have conducted so much business with almost a month of the window still remaining. And the head coach has been encouraged by the sight of his influx of signings buying into his mentality and eradicating the unprofessional elements that he believes were present at the Academy of Light. When asked whether he expected so many signings by the start of August, Di Canio told the Gazette: âYes, it was necessary. âWe knew before that we were going to make a revolution. âObviously, the numbers were as important as the quality. âYou have to work so hard to understand English football because sometimes on the training sessions, it was soft and not professional. âTheir habits in the past were not good. âBut some of them have proved already that we were right to sign them. âWe have to prove it in a proper game, but Iâm sure they will make a big impact in this league.â Sunderlandâs new boys have faced a gruelling schedule under Di Canio since arriving at the Stadium of Light, with the double training sessions continuing at the Academy of Light this week. But Di Canio has reiterated that Sunderland need to be physically superior to their Premier League peers, if they are to bridge the gap with the top flightâs heavyweights. âOur team is not one of the top teams, but it is a very good team,â added Di Canio. âTo reduce the gap between us and the other clubs, we need a strategy â tactical and technical. âBut physical condition is one of the main parts, otherwise you canât reduce this gap.â
nice read, i finally feel that we are now on the up , as in the past for season after season, we were whipping boys, with maybe one surprise result a season which had us all believing we could go places. under this regime im more confident than ever i was in the past.
I read somewhere in one of the dailies this week that Sunderland fans are getting a bit carried away already. The problem is its so hard not to! I've never been so excited about the start of a new season.
It sounds like our players just had to turn up to training without putting any effort in which was certainly reflected in games. Experienced coaches like Bruce and Oneil (who I was a big fan of) should be ashamed of themselves allowing such appalling unprofessional standards!
I've had mine seven years, only worn on match days weather I go to the match or not. Quality trainer, Hard wearing and looks **** hot.
Today apparently, stopping for pics and autographs by all accounts. Top Bloke. My mate has just told me.
