Jermain Defoe reveals Michael Beale talks and why ex-Sunderland head coach was 'desperate'

Jermain Defoe has opened up about Michael Beale’s short tenure as Sunderland's head coach and revealed talks prior to him taking the job.

Beale was sacked by Sunderland in February after just two months in charge, with the Black Cats sitting 10th in the Championship at the time. A run of four wins in 12 games did little to help the 43-year-old after replacing former boss Tony Mowbray at the Academy of Light.

Defoe, who worked with Beale during their time together at Rangers, expressed admiration for the former QPR boss and his coaching ability despite his disastrous Sunderland stint.

"I loved Mick at Rangers," Defoe said. "You talk about detail and for me, even at the back end of my career, I learned a lot from him. You go into an environment and think you know the game but I spent a lot of time sitting with Mick.

“It was around lockdown and we’d have voice notes that were five minutes long about football and his journey, coaching young players and what you need to do, stuff that you don’t think about as a player.

"I’ve always thought that if you put on a session that you just stand there and coach, but even little things like your position. When I started I would go onto the pitch and stand in the number nine position because that’s what I’m used to. Mick told me to change my position so you can see everything."

"Yeah, because he wanted to do well," Defoe added when asked if Beale had reached out to him before taking the Sunderland job. "He spoke about the club, the expectation, the demand from the fans, everything.

“He was so desperate to do well and he’s a confident guy. He’s coached for 20-odd years. He told me at Rangers that I could be a manager now, and that if he was my assistant, he said ‘You just tell me how you want to play and I’ll deliver it’.

"I know if I get a job that I will need experience around me. People like Paul Bracewell, who have been around the club and coached. These kinds of people will help."

Defoe was speaking exclusively to (Insert Media) at the launch of The Jermain Defoe Academy at East Durham College. To find out more about the Academy and how to apply before the first course in September 2024, head to www.edc.ac.uk