Sunderland are targeting Värnamo manager Kim Hellberg after systematically going over all the details about him before approaching him for an interview.
That’s according to journalist Anel Advic, who says the manager would be extremely keen on the move to Sunderland should it be offered to him.
Hellberg is believed to be at the top of the Black Cats wish list at this moment in time as they hunt for a replacement for Tony Mowbray.
Reports in England and Sweden have indicated that the 35-year-old coach is currently interviewing for the vacant position as Sunderland look to move on from the surprise sacking of Mowbray earlier this week.
Hellberg is undoubtedly an unknown name, to say the least, having only managed in Sweden to date as a manager and assistant manager at various clubs.
He’s been with Värnamo since January 2022, enjoying a record of 25 wins, 13 draws and 26 losses in 64 games to date with a points per game ration of 1.38.
This is something Sunderland are more than aware of according to Advic, who says they have done extensive research on their managerial candidate.
“It is very surprising for Kim. They are extremely prestigious, a classic club that is betting on getting back to the Premier League,” he said.
“It is clear that Sunderland is number one in Kim Hellberg’s personal hierarchy, but I take it that he seems to be one of three or four names there.
“What is interesting is the process as I was talking to one person yesterday who said they don’t have anyone but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
“Most often when Swedish coaches take the step abroad its usually like an agent contact who networks and so on, which is very common.
“But in this case, it actually seems that Sunderland has scouted Kim Hellberg and in their own little process have systematically gone over what he has done in Värnamo, his statistical style of play and facts like this. What’s he done with a very small budget, stuff like that.
“These are factors that Sunderland thought were very interesting so that’s probably why he’s now interviewing with Sunderland. We’ll see what this turns out to be.”
