Jermain Defoe has made a surprising assertion regarding a standout Sunderland player, revealing informal discussions with the club.
Jermain Defoe sparked headlines this week by disclosing discussions regarding a potential return to Sunderland, where he had previously ended his second stint in 2022, leaving fans disheartened by his sudden departure. Now, he’s expressed his desire for a third stint, this time aiming for the managerial vacancy.
Addressing the matter earlier this week, Defoe remarked, “I’ve had no interview or anything like that. And like I said before when we spoke, I spoke about obviously the people that want to come with me and even in the background, certain players that I know that I can attract, young top players in the country that I can attract to try and get the club back into the Premier League. I’ve not had an interview or anything, but I think they’re aware that, obviously, I’d be interested in taking a job. Why not?”
Presently coaching Tottenham Hotspur U18s, Defoe is yet to step into a senior coaching role. Despite Sunderland gearing up to appoint a new manager after the season’s conclusion, it’s improbable that Defoe will feature on their shortlist. Nevertheless, the 41-year-old remains vocal about the prospect of a switch to the Stadium of Light.
In a peculiar turn, Defoe has now asserted his ability to entice one of Sunderland’s standout players to remain at the club, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding narrative.
Jermain Defoe believes he could persuade a remarkable star to remain.
In an interview with the Sunderland Echo, the former England international expressed, “If I were the manager, he would remain. I’m familiar with Jack Clarke, and you never know.
At the end of the day, he’s someone I’ve known since his time at Leeds, and upon his arrival at Tottenham, he showcased exceptional skills in one-on-one situations. He’s the type of player you don’t need to coach extensively; you simply provide him with the ball and allow him to exhibit his natural flair.”
Defoe continued, “Players like him are not easily coached. If the club can retain him, he’ll be a fantastic asset. Working with players of his caliber would undoubtedly be a dream for any manager or aspiring coach because having talented players makes the job more manageable.”
What reason would Jack Clarke have for rejecting the Premier League?
Retaining Jack Clarke would be an exceptional move at this juncture, but the notion that Jermain Defoe could sway him to remain is implausible. Defoe was not at Tottenham during Clarke’s tenure there, and he had already departed Sunderland when Clarke joined the team. Thus, it’s unlikely they share a strong enough bond for Clarke to opt for the Championship solely based on Defoe’s influence.
While Defoe boasts an impressive playing career, the idea of him assuming the Sunderland managerial role seems premature, and I’m skeptical about his suitability for the position, especially if it hinges on Clarke’s decision. It appears he’s attempting to rally fan support, but I doubt it will yield the desired outcome.