Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus was already warned about Liam Rosenior last month.
Sunderland are set to make an ‘imminent’ decision on their next manager appointment, with Liam Rosenior looking the most likely at this stage.
The Black Cats know not to get ahead of themselves ahead until a deal is completely done, but with reports claiming the former Hull City coach is set for further talks, it is looking like he could be the man to take the club forward.
Rosenior was sacked by the Tigers last month after narrowly missing out on the play-offs, having won only three of their last 13 matches in the Championship.
Sunderland fans have expressed their concern over the 39-year-old’s appointment, while many Hull fans have also taken to social media to either reassure or agree with their worries.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is very unlikely to listen to these concerns as he makes his appointment, which was made very clear when he controversially brought Michael Beale in.
The 27-year-old has certainly been warned of Rosenior though, as he will likely have already seen what the Hull City owner said about him if he has done his research.
Acun Ilicali explained exactly why he had dismissed Rosenior last month, explaining that he wanted a different style of football at his club.
Acun Ilicali explains his issue with Liam Rosenior
Speaking to BBC Humberside, the Turkish owner said: “It was a difference in opinions.
“Liam is a very good coach and will be very successful. He is young and is a very good character who makes the team love him.
“There are so many positive things, but at the end of the day me and my team are dreaming of something for this club and there is a football style we want to see on the pitch.
“I can’t say what the biggest difference is. Liam’s football philosophy is very good and may be successful but we didn’t see it suiting our character for the future.”
He added: “I want offensive football. I want an attacking, entertaining team. I said it from the first minute I bought this club.
“I said I would rather lose 3-2 than have a boring 0-0. If you are counting the points and draw every game 0-0 you are going to get relegated. If you lose 3-2, it means you will win another game 4-1.
“My football brain is completely full of a successful and entertaining football style. Liam has a great philosophy but there are different styles of football in the world – Liam’s direction can be successful but we want to see different things.
“It is not good for me to go to a coach and ask him to play a different way when he has a certain style of football.”
Should Sunderland be disappointed with Rosenior?
Rosenior has been criticised for his ‘boring’ style of football, but perhaps he wouldn’t have come under scrutiny if one more result had gone their way and they had reached the play-offs.
The Tigers were only three points from the top six and one win could have completely changed the outcome of Rosenior’s season.
He may be underwhelming to some, but after the disastrous campaign that took place on Wearside, fans can’t really expect much more.
It is incredibly frustrating, but Kristjaan Speakman has knocked us down a level and has made the club a lot less attractive to join – especially if it means working alongside him.