Harry Redknapp: 'Paolo Di Canio sacked because he was a "perfectionist"

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 27 September 2013

QPR boss Harry Redknapp feels that Paolo Di Canio's failed tenure at Sunderland could have been down to the Black Cats players not adhering to his 'perfect' standards.

Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp believes that Paolo Di Canio was fired by Sunderland because he set too high a standard for his players.

With the Black Cats rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, the Italian was shown the Stadium of Light door last Sunday when several senior players approached the club's board with concerns over his tenure.

Redknapp, who managed Di Canio during his time in charge of West Ham United, feels that his former striker's desire for perfection may have resulted in the tension that existed between him and his players.

"We're sorry to see Paolo go," Redknapp told reporters. "When he came in and got that victory at Newcastle, everybody was raving about him. Plus he did a great job at Swindon.

"Paolo's a perfectionist. He wants players to work hard, demands his players be super fit. But perhaps there were one or two players who thought it was over the top, weren't comfortable with it, didn't like it.

"Some players can be a little bit precious and he's got to learn about his approach in the future. Maybe he's got to learn to be temperate, temper it down a little bit, but I still think he has a lot to offer."

Gus Poyet is the odds-on favourite to replace Di Canio on Wearside, but caretaker manager Kevin Ball will oversee their home Premier League meeting with Liverpool on Sunday.