BBC pundit Marco Gabbiadini has raised some concerns over a possible new candidate to become the next Sunderland manager.
Sunderland are on the hunt for their next manager following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, which ended in disappointment for the Black Cats.
Mike Dodds‘ final game as interim boss was a 2-0 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland finishing the season in 16th place of the table.
But now that season has finished the club can press on with their managerial search. Will Still continues to be linked and so too does Danny Rohl, though he looks set to stay at Sheffield Wednesday.
Meanwhile, another name is now gaining attention on social media; Liam Rosenior, who was sacked by Hull City on Tuesday despite achieving a 7th place finish in the Championship in 2023/24.
Sunderland fans have mixed feelings about the former full-back taking charge this summer, and so too does former Black Cats striker Gabbiadini.
Marco Gabbiadini raises key concerns over Liam Rosenior to Sunderland
Speaking on Total Sport, Gabbiadini hailed Rosenior’s personality and demeanour in interviews, labelling him a ‘good candidate’ for the Sunderland job.
But Gabbiadini has hinted that the 39-year-old Rosenior may not tick all the boxes for Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
Gabbiadini said: “He’s a bright young coach, always comes over really well is in his interviews, doesn’t he? Talks about the game in a real positive way.
“I think he’s a good candidate. But does he tick the boxes… The club, in the little things they have said, talked about the European style coaching and speaking different languages, and those kind of things being, maybe not needs, but it would’ve been a bonus.”
Marco Gabbiadini comments means one thing for Sunderland
Sunderland is very much a side with a European feel; their facilities and stadium, the markets they tap into for new players, and their focus on youth is all quite trademark of teams in Europe.
It’d make sense for Sunderland to bring in a coach with experience of managing in the European game and if they also speak another language then it would only be a bonus.
So for Rosenior who only ever played in England and has only managed in England, he might not be the ideal fit for what Sunderland want right now, like Gabbiadini says.
And Gabbiadini’s comments also hint at Still being the perfect man for the Sunderland job given his experience with Reims and the fact that he speaks both French and English.
Still has been the long-term candidate for the Black Cats and now that he’s a free agent, Sunderland are free to bring him in.
He remains a gamble given his lack of experience in football and of English football, but one that the Sunderland board seem to have been keen on taking for some time now.