Francesco Farioli could attempt to reunite with Alanyaspor midfielder Tayfur Bingol at Sunderland if he replaces Tony Mowbray at the Championship outfit.
Most would admit that Mowbray has done quite the job at the Stadium of Light. It is easy to forget, given that the Black Cats are still in with a shot at the play-offs with just one league game remaining, that Sunderland were a third-tier team last season; Mowbray helping to make successive promotions a distinct possibility.
But, if the Wearsiders miss out on the top six – Preston North End to come on Monday – will that be Mowbray’s farewell outing as the club’s head coach?
Sunderland could replace Tony Mowbray with Francesco Farioli
According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland could swap Mowbray for a bright young thing in Francescio Farioli. 25 years Mowbray’s junior, Farioli is currently without a job after leaving Alanyaspor in February.
He is now at the top of Sunderland’s wishlist if Mowbray moves on. And, according to Fanatik, a man who once had a spell as a goalkeeping coach for the Qatar U17 side has already identified his first signing on the banks of the Wear.
Farioli worked with Bingol in the Turkish Super Lig. The experienced midfielder – who is only four years younger than his former boss – is currently on loan at Besiktas.
But, despite featuring regularly for the Istanbul giants, Bingol reportedly has little interest in seeing the £1.3 million option-to-buy clause in his contract triggered.
The former Turkey U21 international is versatile and possesses a wide range of attributes. This season alone, he has featured in central midfield, wide on the right and even at left-back on occasions.
‘Taken by Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona team’
Farioli, meanwhile, held talks with Rangers before Mick Beale returned to Ibrox in November.
He models his management style on that of Pep Guardiola and Marcelo Bielsa; his Alanyaspor averaging comfortably the highest possession stats in the Super Lig for a time.
“I see many of the same characteristics at Arsenal compared with that of my own team,” Farioli tells Sky Sports. “I will also mention Marcelo Bielsa.
“It’s important to build a team of players with passion for what they do. They must enjoy the ball, approach the game in a brave and proactive way. They need to show ambition because our demands are very high.
“I was really taken by Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona team. I loved that style of play.”
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