New Arrival at Sunderland Academy Eager to Make Mark in Premier League
Sunderland’s Academy of Light has welcomed a new addition to its ranks, with the club’s latest signing expressing immediate enthusiasm for his new surroundings. “The first feelings are really good,” he shared with the club’s media during his time in Portugal. “People here are very welcoming, and I really like the atmosphere inside the club.”
Despite a notable career trajectory, the new arrival is driven by a desire for continuous improvement. He views the Premier League as the ultimate stage for any coach,describing it as “the best league in the world.” He sees the challenge as a significant possibility to refine his skills, test his capabilities, and implement his coaching philosophies within a highly regarded environment.
The current coaching setup at Sunderland is led by head coach Regis Le Bris, and the new recruit wasted no time in praising the Frenchman. “He’s one of the most intelligent coaches I’ve worked with,” he stated unequivocally. He further elaborated on Le Bris’s qualities, noting his calmness, focus, and clear vision for the team’s style of play. What impressed him most, however, was Le Bris’s humanistic approach.”He listens. He explains everything with detail, and the players respect that,” he observed. He highlighted Le Bris’s ability to manage people with humility and respect, going beyond just tactical instruction. “It’s a pleasure to work with someone who sees the game so clearly, but who also treats people so well.”
A graduate of Coverciano, Italy’s renowned coaching institution, the new Sunderland staff member’s early career was not solely focused on the training pitch but also involved extensive work behind the scenes. “During university, I focused on methodology,” he explained. His career took a significant turn when Stefano Pioli, a coach he deeply respects, recognized his potential and brought him onto his staff. “That changed everything. I always believed in my skills, but that trust gave me the platform.”
His professional journey began as a scout and match analyst at Inter Milan, where he worked under prominent managers such as Roberto Mancini, Frank de Boer, and Stefano Pioli.Pioli’s subsequent move to fiorentina saw him bring the young Italian along, a testament to the trust placed in him and a pivotal moment in his development in top-tier football. His most recent role was in Saudi Arabia, where he operated at a high professional level.
Reflecting on his time in Saudi Arabia, he shared insights into working with cristiano Ronaldo. “He’s a really, really, really good guy. So focused. He does everything with high standards,” he commented. He detailed Ronaldo’s rigorous routines, including nightly ice baths and daily recovery sessions, emphasizing the dedication required to maintain peak performance at his age. “He showed me that high standards are everything, not just talent.” This experience, he noted, presented a significant challenge that ultimately strengthened his resolve. “It puts you under pressure and when that happens, you either give up or push through. I chose the second.”
This meticulous attention to detail and unwavering demand for excellence are qualities he now aims to instill at the Academy of Light. “I want to squeeze the lemon – get the most out of this experience and help Sunderland reach the top,” he declared with genuine conviction.
