DI CANIO: I INSPIRED ENGLAND!
Plucky Paolo claims he put Three Lions stars on road to success
PAOLO DI CANIO wants to take the credit for England’s stars making a massive impact on the Premier League.
The Sunderland boss says his advice while at Charlton and West Ham played a massive part in the careers of key players of Roy Hodgson’s squad.
The Italian said: “At the end of my career I discovered the advice I gave to the younger players next to me at West Ham or Charlton – whether it was Scott Parker, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Frank Lampard or Jermain Defoe – was the right advice.
“They recognised it as they became top players, they mentioned that I helped them a lot on the way to becoming a top professional.
Fantasy
“So I said, ‘ Why not become a manager?’. I have desire to improve strategy.
“I studied managers and I also know how to deliver it to my players.
“My English is rubbish but they can understand me. Now I hope this is only the start of my career.”
Di Canio was appointed at the end of last season and helped the Black Cats narrowly avoid relegation – but he has bigger targets now. He added: “The 4-2-4 Bayern Munich play is the best football.
“Even more than Barcelona as it is more direct football with a mix of fantasy, strength and organisation.
“You can see that this team is one body. They think with one brain and that’s the perfect way to achieve something important.”
And he reckons Sunderland have a chance of success thanks to their passionate fans.
Di Canio said: “I never saw this passion.
“People recognise Naples as the hottest fans in the world, but here they live 24 hours a day for the club.
“When they have something special they
will celebrate for a week, probably a month.
“It’s infectious. It infected me straight away and that is a magic combination as already I have passion for football and I found the right place where we can work together, ready to explode.
“I have no fear about anything. I put pressure on myself but don’t feel pressure from the media. I was sure people would say I was not ready for the Premier League or ready for a dressing room with big egos.
“I’m 44 now but I still have my strict idea on how to be a professional.”
Di Canio has been made to sweat it out in his pursuit of Argentina star Lucas Orban.
Sunderland have agreed a fee for the £ 2million- rated fullback, but are locked in a battle with clubs from Spain and Italy for the in- demand 24- year- old, whose club Atletico Tigre have reluctantly agreed to part with their prize asset.
The Black Cats are willing to meet their target’s £ 23,000- a- week wage demands to move to Wearside as they bid to reshape their squad.