Sunderland has had a challenging few months, finishing their Championship campaign with more of a whimper than anything else. However, in what has been called a “shock move,” a new manager may finally be on the horizon.
Given that Michael Beale was Tony Mowbray’s replacement, the Black Cats’ choice to break ways with him may not have been taken if they could go back in time. Before Mike Dodds was appointed to the position temporarily, the former Rangers manager went through a nightmarish run that virtually ended Sunderland’s chances of making the playoffs.Sunderland finished the Championship season in 16th place, making a spot in the top six unattainable. As a result, they need to make the proper choice for their next appointment. In that sense, rumors have it that Paul Heckingbottom and Steve Cooper are interested in taking the position, although no official word has been made.
This season, both managers led their teams in the Premier League before being fired from their positions at Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United, respectively. Since they’ve been unemployed, the Sunderland position could present a chance, supposing the Black Cats choose to go for a purported shock target.The Sun claims that Southampton is considering making a move for Bo Svensson, who left Mainz in November of last year after serving as manager for two years. According to reports, the 44-year-old is a “shock” target and may make his first transfer into English football to emulate Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp, who both left Mainz and eventually moved to England, but with pauses along the route.
Svensson is undoubtedly a highly regarded manager who has previously been linked to teams like Tottenham Hotspur. He may now be tasked with leading Sunderland back into the Championship’s top six.
Notably, Svensson can succeed where Beale failed.
Sunderland could be better off going with Svensson if they need a revival. Before his departure at the conclusion of the previous year due to a decline in performance, the former Mainz manager led the Bundesliga team to eighth place during his finest season at the club. Svensson’s style would help maintain Jack Clarke’s form while providing the defensive cover that the Black Cats sorely lack these days. The team would utilize a 3-4-2-1 formation, which is strangely the same system that Xabi Alonso has had such success with at Bayer Leverkusen.
The Dane, who saw some success in Germany’s top division, should have no trouble entering the Championship and taking over for Beal, who finally proved incapable of carrying out the task. If Svensson is hired, it seems like a more intriguing alternative than Cooper and Heckingbottom, who are more well-known, especially if Sunderland lets him work on a project. Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig called the young manager “interesting,” so as the Black Cats consider their options, they should keep a watch on him in the upcoming months.