Sunderland is “number one” in manager’s “personal hierarchy” – Black Cats adore him, according to research.
Sunderland are interested in Värnamo manager Kim Hellberg after thoroughly researching him before approaching him for an interview.
According to journalist Anel Advic, the manager would be very interested in moving to Sunderland if the opportunity arose.
Hellberg is thought to be at the top of the Black Cats’ wish list right now as they look for a replacement for Tony Mowbray.
According to reports in England and Sweden, the 35-year-old coach is currently interviewing for the vacant position as Sunderland look to move on from Mowbray’s surprise dismissal earlier this week.
Hellberg is a relatively unknown name, having only managed in Sweden as a manager and assistant manager at various clubs.
He’s been with Värnamo since January 2022, and he’s amassed a record of 25 wins, 13 draws, and 26 losses in 64 games with a points per game ratio of 1.38.
Sunderland is well aware of this, according to Advic, who claims to have conducted extensive research on their managerial candidate.
“It’s a big surprise for Kim.” “They are an extremely prestigious club that is betting on returning to the Premier League,” he said.
“It is clear that Sunderland is at the top of Kim Hellberg’s personal hierarchy, but he appears to be one of three or four names there.”
“What’s interesting is the process, because I spoke with someone yesterday who said they didn’t have anyone, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.”
“When Swedish coaches go abroad, it’s usually through an agent contact who networks and so on, which is very common.”
“But in this case, it actually seems that Sunderland has scouted Kim Hellberg and in their own little process have systematically gone over what he has done in Värnamo, his statistical style of play and facts like this. What’s he done with a very small budget, stuff like that.
“These are factors that Sunderland found very interesting, which is probably why he’s now interviewing with Sunderland.” We’ll see how this turns out.”
