Sunderland FC’s recent run of poor form has seen the Black Cats enter into the relegation battle. Their recent form has seen them go eight matches without a win. A result which that has cost Martin O’Neill his job and handed Paolo Di Canio his first shot as a Premier League Manager. His appointment at Sunderland has stirred controversy because of his ‘I am a Fascist’ remark, eight years ago.
On Wednesday, he back- pedaled his wheel of thoughts from such stance saying: “I do not support the Ideology of fascism. I respect everyone. I am a football man. This and my family are my focus.” As the English Premier League (EPL) enters the round of 32, Sunderland currently sits 16TH on the table, four teams shy of playing in the Coca-Cola Championship next season.
On Sunday Di Canio will be hoping to galvanise a side which recent run of poor form has seen them go eight matches without a win, against a side fresh from a 3- 1 thrashing of Rubin Kazan and also a 1-0 victory over League leaders, four days back. An imminent trip to Stamford Bridge sounds like a wake- up call to the Black Cats who last won on the same ground 14TH November 2010 under the guidance of Steve Bruce.
If history were to repeat itself, Di Canio would be adding more drama to the relegation battle where nine clubs currently sits out. If QPR should lose at home to Wigan and Di Canio stun the Stamford Bridge faithful, he will be adding more salt to the injury of one man who coached him as a player at West Ham in 1999- 2001; Harry Redknapp.
With fixture pile- ups, Chelsea FC could be tiring against a team fresh from a one week break. While the motivation and the need to play in Europe elite competition next season will spur The Blues on. In 2010, it took the strength and commitment of players such as Danny Welbech, Asamoah Gyang, and Nedum Onuoha to break the heart of the Stamford Bridge faithful. Come Sunday, the likes of John O’Shea, Stephanie Sesegnion, Stephen Fletcher (if featured,) will face an uphill task of redeeming the club, and saving the management from another impending sack to a flamboyant Head Coach.
