Di Canio vows to stay calm at Sunderland
PAOLO Di Canio vowed to keep his volatile temper under control after the controversial Italian’s debut as Sunderland manager ended in a frustrating 2-1 defeat against Chelsea.
Di Canio’s two-year spell in charge at Swindon was described as “management by hand grenade” by the club’s former chairman and his reign with the Black Cats has the potential to be equally explosive.
The notoriously temperamental Di Canio not only has to cope with the tension of a Premier League relegation battle, but also seemed destined to be plagued by questions about his support for fascism. The former Lazio and West Ham striker was confronted with more inquiries about his politics at the post-match press conference following Sunday’s loss at Stamford Bridge.
But Di Canio refused to answer the questions and beat a hasty retreat.
He was more sanguine on the touchline as Sunderland squandered a first-half lead given to them by Cesar Azpilicueta’s own goal. An own goal from Sunderland’s Matthew Kilgallon was followed by Branislav Ivanovic’s deflected winner, yet Di Canio kept his cool and he believes that attitude will be crucial if his team are to avoid relegation.
“When you are a manager you know you have responsibility for many others. You have to be careful sometimes,” Di Canio said.
Sunderland, above the relegation zone only on goal difference, are now without a win in nine matches and they looked desperately short of attacking inspiration against Chelsea.
Di Canio acknowledged his players struggled at times, but he made it clear he believes he can inspire them to beat the drop.
“At Swindon I used to prepare only to win, but now it is different, you have to prepare for the other team as well. That can be a big change but when you are a very good manager like me you will adapt. Some of the players told me what we did in the last few days is fantastic and what they needed.” Sapa-AFP