Sunderland: Kim Hellberg opens up as Will Still first choice

KIM Hellberg has opened up on his discussions with Sunderland, confirming

he won’t be the next head coach at the Stadium of Light and claiming that the

Black Cats are down to “one or two candidates” for the job.

After leading IFK Varnamo to a fifth-place finish in the Swedish top division and announcing his departure from the

team, Hellberg became a free agent. Following Tony Mowbray’s departure,

Hellberg became the early favorite to take over at Sunderland.

 

The 35-year-old has now acknowledged that he had discussions with the Sunderland administration, but he

asserts that “someone else will manage the club.” It is currently believed that

Hellberg will assume leadership of Hammarby.

Hellberg has now responded to the Hammarby links and lifted the lid on his talks with the Black Cats, telling media in

Scandinavia: “I saw it (the Hammarby reports). There have been many things. I

was probably the favourite in Sunderland for a while too.

That is the nature of our industry. The fact is that I haven’t signed anything, but most things written down have some

element of truth when written that manner (with Hammarby)

 

“While nothing is certain, maybe we’re approaching the time when something

will be. Its ability to swing in a variety of directions is the one thing I’ve learned.

“Again, we come to the scouting and that Sunderland have come across my name and that there has been contact and

meetings,” Hellberg remarked about his discussions with Sunderland. Although

I’m not sure how close it has been, there have been meetings, and participating in

the process has been enjoyable and educational.

 

They had just one or two applicants left, as far as I can tell. It was drawing near. Although it seems like I’ve been there for

a while, someone else will be in charge of that club.

“But it was a great experience to have been involved in the process, just as it

has been to have met other clubs. It has been an educational period.”

Will Still is still Sunderland’s top pick for the head coach position, and the club’s

hierarchy is prepared to wait patiently in the hopes of landing their first choice candidate.

 

Although Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ initial talks with the highly regarded Reims manager

earlier this week were fruitful, it’s still unclear whether the 31-year-old, who

would undoubtedly be considered for Premier League openings should they

become available, would be persuaded to move to the Stadium of Light.

In the upcoming days, Sunderland’s executives will have more interviews

with potential candidates. On Saturday, Mike Dodds will once more lead the

Black Cats in their match against Bristol City.

 

At this point, it’s not impossible that Dodds will continue to serve as interim

manager for the Saturday match against Coventry City.