Sunderland

Jermain Defoe: 'Dick Advocaat has similar traits to Jose Mourinho'

By Simon Sinclair, Reporter | 06 June 2015

Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe claims that Dick Advocaat has a similar style of management to that of Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti.

Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe believes that Dick Advocaat has comparable traits to Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho after the Dutchman agreed to return to the Stadium of Light.

The 67-year-old has opted to reverse his decision to leave the Black Cats at the end of the season to sign a one-year deal with the club to remain as manager for the 2015-16 campaign.

Defoe has admitted that he was taken aback by the news, but is delighted that Advocaat has changed his mind because he relishes working under the Dutchman.

He told Sky Sports News: "I was shocked more than anything because it's a massive U-turn. But he's probably looked at it and thought it's a great opportunity to come back to the club and do something special next season.

"He was a good guy. I can imagine everyone is delighted at the club,He's a really straight guy. Every day, everyone's got to perform in training. If you're not going to perform, you're not going to play – it's as simple as that.

"Away from that, he's a really nice man, a really nice guy and you can have a laugh with him. But when it's time to work, you work. He is similar to what I hear Jose Mourinho is like, [Carlo] Ancelotti - really nice guys, but when it is time to work, they work."

Advocaat guided Sunderland to safety in the Premier League as the club took 12 points from his nine games in charge.