Sunderland, above the relegation zone only on goal difference, are now without a win in nine matches as they lacked the attacking spirit to beat Chelsea. PHOTO: AFP
The notoriously temperamental Di Canio not only has to cope with the tension of a Premier League relegation battle, but also seemed destined to be plagued by questions about his support for fascism.
The former Lazio and West Ham striker was confronted with more inquiries about his politics at the post-match press conference following the loss at Stamford Bridge.
But Di Canio refused to answer the questions and beat a hasty retreat before the interrogation could go any further.
He was more sanguine on the touchline as Sunderland squandered a first-half lead given to them by Cesar Azpilicueta’s own goal.
An own goal from Sunderland’s Matthew Kilgallon was followed by Branislav Ivanovic’s deflected winner, yet Di Canio kept his cool and he believes that attitude will be crucial in future.
“When you are a manager you know you have responsibility for many others,” said Di Canio. “You have to be careful sometimes.
“We all change, you are not the same as you were 20 years ago.”
Sunderland, above the relegation zone only on goal difference, are now without a win in nine matches and they looked desperately short of attacking inspiration against Chelsea.
QPR’s hopes of avoiding drop bleak: Redknapp
Harry Redknapp admitted Queens Park Rangers’ hopes of avoiding relegation from the Premier League now look bleak after their failure to beat Wigan at home as the teams drew 1-1.
“It’s going to be hard,” said QPR manager Redknapp. “If we had come off with three points with ten men it would have given us a massive boost.”
In another match, Newcastle’s Papiss Demba Cisse scored a late goal that secured a 1-0 victory over Fulham and eased their relegation worries.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 9th, 2013.
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