5 Reasons Why Sunderland Were Right To Sack Paolo Di Canio

3. Relationship With Players

Di Canio's managerial style led to a fall out with a number of players which led to key players moving to different clubs and others being banished to the U21s side. Players' union chief Gordon Taylor had to investigate him during last season after seven players were fined and threats were made to reduce their holidays if they did not perform in their final Premier League game against Tottenham. Defender Phil Bardsley was suspended by the club after pictures emerged of him lying in a casino covered in £50 notes and posted comments on Instagram laughing after Sunderland suffered an opening day defeat against Fulham. Simon Mignolet, James McClean and Stephane Sessegnon were the main casualties to leave the club this summer with the latter's desire to stay at the club questioned by Di Canio. His media rants could also have affected his relationship with certain players after the Italian openly criticised a number of his players after poor performances and red cards. Captain John O'Shea, Ji Dong-Won and Connor Wickham were all among a collection of players that heard Di Canio's thoughts played out through the world's media and it's comments such as these that would be better kept behind closed doors.