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Regarding Sunderland’s search for a new manager, Jermain Defoe sends them a clear message.

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3 months ago

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While Sunderland searches for a head coach, Jermain Defoe has declared his desire to lead the team.

The former striker made nearly 100 appearances with the Black Cats throughout his two tenure as a player, scoring over 30 goals.

After ending his playing career, the 41-year-old turned to coaching and started working with the U18 team at his previous team, Tottenham Hotspur.

In 2021, he also served as an interim manager for Rangers, however he is currently seeking a more long-term role with a team.

After Michael Beale was fired in February, Sunderland decided to look for a new head coach. A new appointment is anticipated after the end of the current season.

 

Defoe makes Sunderland vacancy claim

Defoe has stated that he would like to work for Sunderland and that he will apply for the open position at the Stadium of Light.

He stated that he saw no reason why he would decline the chance to take over the Wearside team, adding that he has always been interested in managing.

“The job in Sunderland? According to Defoe, via the Mirror, “Why not?”

I used to say all the time, even as a player, that I would love to manage this club.

“Let’s go, I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity if I saw one,”

Answered when asked what he would advise to Sunderland director of football Kristjaan Speakman, “I hear people talk about needing experience.” Working with young athletes and learning what they require has forced me to become a coach.

“Everyone knows that I adore football, and I always have.” I had the wonderful fortune to have a successful career in football before finishing up. I found that transfer to coaching was relatively easy.

“I’ve put my CV into a few clubs and had conversations, just conversations to see where I’m at in terms of my badges. A lot of people don’t remember but I had the year experience at Rangers as player coach, so I was exposed to that level.”

Michael Beale’s Sunderland record (all competitions as per Transfermarkt)
Games Wins Draws Losses W%
12 4 2 7 33.33

Mike Dodds is in charge of Sunderland until the end of the season, and Defoe is the most recent name linked to the position.

The club has chosen to appoint Beale’s replacement gradually, considering he was in charge for a just 63 days.

The team’s performance under Dodds’ interim leadership hasn’t improved, and Sunderland is currently essentially out of the running for a play-off spot.

Since the Black Cats decided to part ways with Tony Mowbray in December, they have struggled to produce success on a regular basis.

Defoe will have competition for Sunderland’s head coaching position from players like Will Still and Danny Rohl.

Since Paul Heckingbottom, 46, is now unemployed, he has also emerged as the front-runner for the position.

After leading Sheffield United to the Premier League the previous season, he was fired by the Blades due to a subpar start to the current campaign.

Sunderland, who made their way back to the Championship in 2022, intends to contend for a spot in the top division.

It remains to be seen, though, if Defoe can persuade the club’s administration that he is the right person to lead the team to success.

Defoe an unlikely appointment at Sunderland

If Sunderland decided to appoint a head coach with so little experience, it would be unexpected.

Even though Defoe has a lot of coaching potential, he could need to go elsewhere for his first managerial opportunity.

Bringing him in as Beale’s replacement would be a major gamble, but Middlesbrough’s Michael Carrick has demonstrated that skill isn’t everything.

For the upcoming season, it would be prudent to appoint someone like Still, Rohl, or Heckingbottom given the current roster of candidates.

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