A manager labelled ‘outstanding’ by Jurgen Klopp has been linked with the Sunderland job.
Sunderland are still deep in their search for a new manager, a week on from the final day of the campaign.
The Black Cats have been without a permanent head coach since Michael Beale was sacked earlier this year, while Mike Dodds has since taken interim charge.
There is a lot of pressure on Sunderland to get this appointment right after a disastrous second season back in the Championship, in which they have only won eight games since Tony Mowbray left before Christmas.
Will Still, Danny Rohl and Rene Maric had appeared to be three names on their shortlist in recent weeks, while Jermain Defoe had alsothrown his own name into the hat.
However, the club don’t seem to have made any progress in naming any of their key targets as their new manager.
It now appears that a brand new name has emerged as a ‘shock candidate’ too.
Sunderland want ‘outstanding’ coach who left the Bundesliga in 2023
Journalist Alan Nixon has reported that Bo Svensson could now ‘appeal’ to Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman.
Speaking on his Patreon, Nixon said: “Danish coach Bo Svensson is emerging as a shock candidate for the Sunderland vacancy.
“Svensson is available after leaving German side Mainz and has been short listed by the Black Cats as they look for a new boss.
“Sunderland have considered going for experience and looked at Paul Heckingbottom after his work taking Sheffield United to the top flight. Will Still is also available after leaving Reims.
“However Svensson may appeal more and could be tempted to go to the Championship if they can match his ambitions.
“Sunderland have had to spread their net and are now prepared to let new coaches come in with their own staff rather than work with the existing team.”
Bo Svensson began his coaching career with former club Mainz, before joining Austrian club FC Liefering as their head coach in 2019.
The 44-year-old guided the club to third place in 2. Liga, and taken them to second place after 13 games the following season, before returning to Mainz as their new manager in 2021.
Svensson managed to avoid relegation, before transforming the German outfit into a team challenging for the Europa Conference League. He has now been unemployed since leaving Mainz by mutual consent in November.
The coach even received high praise from Jurgen Klopp during his time in Germany, with the Liverpool manager hailing him as ‘outstanding’ in 2021.
Bo Svensson seems an ambitious but smart move
The Dane fits the profile that Sunderland want at the Stadium of Light, though Nixon’s mention of matching his ‘ambitions’ always seems to be a downfall for the Wearside club.
Presumably, Svensson will be eager to join a club willing to spend and push for the play-offs.
However, if he is willing to join, then his experience at FC Liefering – who are known for being a feeder club for RB Salzburg – could be particularly useful.
During his time in the German second division, Svensson has the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Karim Adeyemi at his disposal.
Sunderland will need great pull to persuade a manager recently vying for a place in European competition to join the Championship, but it could prove to be a successful move for the Black Cats.