Sunderland continue to be linked with former Mainz manager Bo Svensson this week.
It had looked like Sunderland could be set to appoint a new manager from the shortlist of Will Still, Rene Maric and potentially Danny Rohl.
However, Bo Svensson emerged as a ‘shock candidate’ at the weekend, having been without a job since leaving Mainz in November.
The Dane led the German club from the brink of relegation to fighting for Europa Conference League qualification, before walking away less than three years later.
Having previously been linked with Brighton & Hove Albion, Svensson certainly seems like a bold move for the Black Cats.
The 44-year-old enjoyed great success in the Bundesliga and was heavily praised by his former coach Jurgen Klopp.
While very little is known about Svensson on Wearside, reports online can give you an idea of the players he could be and may not be fond off at the club.
Here are three players who may struggle if Bo Svensson joins Sunderland.
Three Sunderland players who could struggle under Bo Svensson
Anthony Patterson
Anthony Patterson has already been linked with a move away from Sunderland, but Bo Svensson’s potential arrival may urge both parties to push for his exit.
The goalkeeper has been key for the Black Cats at times this term, however some of Svensson’s tactics may not match Patto.
As per @jkanalysis7, the coach will often expect his goalkeeper to form a back four with his defence – suggesting he wants a ball-playing shot-stopper.
Sunderland have expected Patterson to try and play that role this term, but most fans will tell you he doesn’t do it particularly well.
While I doubt the Black Cats would want the 24-year-old to leave, Svensson would likely look to purchase a ball-playing ‘keeper if he was sold.
Luke O’Nien
Speaking on The Coaches’ Voice when discussing Mainz’ win over Bayern Munich, Svensson said: “One of the main reasons why we played this back-five was the speed of Moussa Niakhate and Jeremiah St. Juste.
“Because they are so fast, they don’t have any issue defending fast wingers on the side.”
This could be an issue for both Luke O’Nien and Dan Ballard, as neither are particularly speedy.
However, if Svensson looked to add some pace to his central defence, then it could be O’Nien who is left out in his place.
He could even look to add Trai Hume to the back three, who could be much more effective in a 1v1 situation.
Nazariy Rusyn
When Bo Svensson was at Mainz, he often used the physical presence of a ‘proper’ number nine to his advantage.
Karim Onisiwo is around 6 ft 2 and scored ten goals during the 2022/23 campaign – four of which were headers.
As @jkanalysis7 mentions, Mainz would often implement early crosses, plenty of height and would use a target man up top to grab the goals.
Nazariy Rusyn is expected to stay at Sunderland this summer, but it seems highly unlikely that Svensson would want him to be playing as the No.9.
The ‘clunky’ Ukrainian has pace but certainly wouldn’t be much use in the air.
It will be interesting to see if he is instead used as a wide man, or if he would find his game-time limited.