Luciano Vulcano reflects on Sunderland's 'deserved' European qualification and outlines head coach plans
Luciano Vulcano has been speaking about his time at Sunderland...
Former Sunderland coach Luciano Vulcano has been speaking fondly about his time with the club, while also delivering his verdict on the Black Cats’ qualification for next season’s Europa League.
The Italian joined Regis Le Bris’ backroom staff last summer, but would depart the Stadium of Light by mutual consent just months later, with his exit confirmed in early February. Since then, Vulcano has been out of work in the professional game, but in a fresh interview with Gianluca Di Marzio, has insisted that he is readying himself to take his first steps into management.
Addressing his future plans, the 38-year-old said: "As an assistant and assistant, I worked with champions and learned a lot: today I feel like a head coach and I'm waiting for the right bench to start . I've spoken to various clubs in Italy and England, I want to make the right choice
“I'm leaving all doors open: I'm looking at the project. I like aggressive, organised teams that develop their players. Today, a coach must achieve results, but also contribute to the club's growth. That's why I'm waiting for the right challenge: not just any bench, but a team with which to build something."
And looking back on his time with Sunderland, Vulcano has praised the club for the recruitment drive that ultimately led to their European qualification, while also admitting that his time in the North East left a lasting impact on him.
He said: “Last season at Sunderland, I was asked to bring my 'Italian' tactical approach to an already solid structure. The club has built a strong team: [Granit] Xhaka is a champion and would be a starter anywhere in Italy, [Omar] Alderete was close to joining Roma, and [Brian] Brobbey was a target of ours at Milan. Qualifying for the Europa League is deserved, and the English experience will stay with me.”
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
What did Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris say about Luciano Vulcano’s exit?
Speaking at the time of Vulcano’s departure from Sunderland, Le Bris said that he respected the Italian highly, but felt he hadn’t been able to find the right fit within the Black Cats’ coaching group, He said: “First of all, I appreciated working with him, as a person and as a professional.
“We decided to stop the collaboration because we didn't find the right fit in our current staff. The staff is always evolving, like players. We have young members of staff, some of them can step up, some of them can just stay at the same level, and our structure is really dynamic. So for Luciano it wasn't easy to find the right position, and rather than forcing things, we decided together that it was better to stop there.
“Even if we stopped here, he helped the coaching staff, it's really obvious. But after that, you have to feel good in your daily dynamic, and it was the case for both sides. So I repeat, rather than forcing things, it's better to stop and wish him the best. I think he's a good professional, so he will succeed as well.”
Your next Sunderland read: Competition: Get ready for Sunderland's Europa League adventure with new A Love Supreme scarf and badge