‘Its obvious’: Paolo Di Canio explains what ‘amazing’ Sunderland need to do ‘more’ this season

Paolo Di Canio has explained what Sunderland need to do ‘more’ of for the rest of the season.

Paolo Di Canio is well loved on Wearside for his very brief spell in charge of Sunderland.

The Italian replaced Martin O’Neill in March 2013 and was tasked with keeping the club in the Premier League.

He went onto guide Sunderland to a 3-0 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park, sparking memorable knee-sliding celebrations from Di Canio. The Black Cats then won only one of their final five games of the campaign but managed to stay up, before the 55-year-old was sacked in September.

His stint on Wearside was his last in management over a decade ago, but it appears he is still paying attention to his former club’s progress in the Championship.

While speaking at an autograph signing event, Di Canio was filmed discussing Sunderland’s recent form on TikTok

He said: “During the season they have done a good job because it’s obvious when you are close to the top six that you are doing well.

“But in this moment, they need to push more obviously you know because I can’t imagine Sunderland not playing in the Premier League because of their supporters, their fams, the stadium. They are absolutely amazing and they deserve to play in the Premier League.”

Sunderland’s lack of former foreign managers

Paolo Di Canio was one of a number of foreign managers we brought in during our final years in the Premier League, and one that fans really loved despite him not really being good enough.

The former West Ham attacker was succeeded by Uruguayan Gus Poyet, then former Netherlands coach Dick Advocaat – both of who were also admired fondly on Wearside.

The trio remain as Sunderland’s only three managers outside of the UK and Ireland, though that could all change in the summer.

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman appear to have looked closely at young managers abroad over the past couple of years, though they are yet to make that jump.

With Michael Beale really not working out this season, I would be surprised if we don’t see the Sunderland owners look across Europe for his permanent successor.

Will Still will be the man at the front of everyone’s minds, and hopefully he would bring a lot less chaos than Di Canio, Poyet and Advocaat did.