Sunderland have 'parted company' with head coach Paolo Di Canio after a disappointing start to the Premier League season. The black cats are bottom of the league with only one point after five games. Supporters jeered the Italian manager after his team's 3-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
"Sunderland AFC confirms that it has parted company with head coach Paolo Di Canio this evening," read a satement on Sunderland's official website.
"Kevin Ball will take charge of the squad ahead of Tuesday night's Capital One Cup game against Peterborough United and an announcement will be made in due course regarding a permanent successor," it continued. "The club would like to place on record its thanks to Paolo and his staff and wishes them well for the future."
The Daily Mail and Metro reported a training ground argument between Di Canio and his players after the West Brom game. The former West Ham united player is believed to have lambasted his squad for their lack of effort and uncompetitiveness. Some players responded by informing the managers that they are growing tired of his constant criticism.
After the game, Di Canio conceded that his time at the club may be nearing an end, considering that he has lost the support of the fans.
"The team, not intentionally, have not gelled," he is quoted as saying in Metro. "It is obvious one day if we keep going lose, lose, lose there will be natural consequences, not only for Paolo di Canio."
"I don't think they will want to keep Paolo di Canio, they will probably want to change," he added.
Caretaker manager Kevin Ball has experience in the role after taking charge of the team following Mick McCarthy's sudden exit in 2006.
Former Chelsea coach Roberto Di Matteo is being mentioned as a candidate to replace his departing countryman.
