Sunderland

Kristjaan Speakman has explained why he needed a rest after leaving Sunderland in February.

He’s been speaking to Dansk Fotbold about his career to date after taking charge at Copenhagen this summer.

Sunderland exit

The sporting director was in charge at the Stadium of Light for six years, originally arriving in December 2020. That came after spells at Birmingham, where he was academy manager and manager, and a spell as Derby U18s manager.

His time at Sunderland was undoubtedly his most successful. Over his spell there he was a key component as the Black Cats rose from League One to the Premier League. They secured European football just a few months after his departure.

He enjoyed his time in the North East but admits he needed time off to recuperate after the last few years in England.

“I was really keen to take some time off,” he said.

“These jobs are a privilege, and you have to remember that, but they also demand an enormous amount of energy and commitment. Not just from me, but from my family too, because it’s a way of life.”

Copenhagen revival

He now heads to Copenhagen, who are eyeing up a complete rebuild after a disappointing few years. As director of football, he will be leading that process. But he admits the project on offer had to be the right one for him and his family.

“It’s not just me signing. It’s me, my wife and my children who are signing with FC Copenhagen,” he added.

Now the rebuild begins, with the focus now on the summer transfer window. He wants to build a team Copenhagen fans can identify with, something he may have learned was important at Sunderland.

“It’s about fans being able to see themselves reflected in their team and in their football club. It’s about ensuring that identity is represented in the right way, both on and off the pitch,” he concluded.

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