Emanuele Giaccherini is “100 per cent certain” to stay at Sunderland this summer, according to the midfielder’s agent. Giaccherini endured a miserable season with injuries last year after a groin problem, coupled with two long-term ankle lay-offs, limited the Italian international to just eight Premier League appearances. However, it is understood that Sunderland head coach Dick Advocaat is keen to keep hold of Giaccherini as a creative element in his favoured 4-3-3 formation, despite speculation over the 30-year-old returning to Serie A. Giaccherini, himself, appears to be equally committed to prolonging his Sunderland career into a third season, even though there was interest in the ex-Juventus man during the January transfer window. “Advocaat as a coach is a very good one, a holy man of football and he is a genius to Giaccherini,” his agent Furio Valcareggi told the Italian press. “He said ‘I’m sure you will do very well next season Emanuele’ and his (Giaccherini’s) goal is to go to the European Championships (next summer). “He will stay at Sunderland 100 per cent, although there was some interest last summer. “There’s a lot of confidence for next season and Giaccherini does not want to leave.” Despite an injury-hit season, Giaccherini was recalled to the Italy squad earlier this month by his former Juventus boss Antonio Conte. That is clearly a motivating factor for Giaccherini after he was snubbed at the final hurdle by Conte’s predecessor Cesare Prandelli for last summer’s World Cup. “Giaccherini was very pleased with his return after he only played 20 minutes of the last six months of the season, when he came on at Chelsea when the team was already safe,” added Valcareggi. I think that old cliche - it'll be like a new signing - applies here. Advocaat will know how to use him and I think he'll prove to be sensational next year if he remains injury free. Also nice to hear an agent not playing games.
Giac's skill is not in question But does he lack the physicality required for this league? I'm not asking this as a direct result of his injuries. I just see him get knocked off the ball too easilly
It's hardly a problem that's ruining his game. When he plays we use the ball better, he gets the best out of the players around him too. Pros outweigh the cons massively with this lad. Best player we have Imo.
Got a feeling that he won't manage to make the impact that we know he can and hope he will. Think it's just one of those that don't work out for some bizarre reason. He's an absolutely outstanding player, rate him very highly. Just concerned that everything seems to be going against him. Handled himself brilliantly over the last few years. Utter pro.
Disagree I think he plays deeper than he should (probably under instruction) and loses the ball too much
I just wonder if he's a little too delicate for the PL. It's hard to judge given he's never really had a consistent run in his best position.
Too delicate for the PL? Who are we talking about here because the same statement applies to both Giacherinni and Conor Whickham.
You know, the too small the for league is a repetitive discussion which is boring as hell. Shame every Giacc thread has to turn into this. This is where people list small players where it didn't matter and those where it did. ZZZZzzzzzz........ Great post btw Disco. Hopefully he's fully recovered from his injury and gets chance to show his obvious class.
Too true. Connor gets bounced of the ball by fullbacks every ****ing game and he's built like a brick ****house. He doesn't match up to Giacc in anyway. He can't even head the ball and he's over 6ft.
I for one am chuffed about this Far more intelligent than the majority of our squad and I think could help Dick build a succesful team Rodwell/Catts - Giaccherini - Larsson Would be a very good midfield three imo Fletcher/Defoe need to up front imo, not sure if Wickham deserves to have his first 11 place
Fletcher and Whickham have to go this summer. They just don't have enough goals in them. On loan, sold, I don't care. Just go!!!
Disagree mate, think attacking football may help Fletch flourish, in terms of holding the ball up he is the best we have and he is good with his feet Wickham god knows what he brings to the team at the moment
The best we've got isn't enough to keep him. He's just not good enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's a lot of exclamation marks so I really mean it
I agree with you Blunham - time for a refresh up top.Sad to say that Bent was our last striker with a decent goal scoring record.
The only negative I see with him is the issue of where to play him. Wouldn't be one of a midfield 3 for me. Behind the striker? On the left cutting in? Think it's a problem for us as I agree he's one of our best players
Depends on the tactics, if Dick wants the front three close together he could play the CAM/SS role behind two strikers, or if Dick wants his front three spread a bit he could play inside left. I don't see it as a problem fella. I see it as a quality option. That's what squads are all about these days. Making every squad place count by having quality players who provide options. More options needed though, Giacc won't be right for every opponent.
Its all about position, if he is played on the same role as Arsenal play Cazorla, Liverpool play Coutinho, Man City play Silva etc..... then he will shine. He is not an out and out winger.
