Watford boss Zola flattered by Sunderland link

Watford manager Gianfranco Zola’s says he is flattered to be linked to the Sunderland managers job.

Zola is ranked among the bookmakers’ favourites to succeed Paolo Di Canio as Sunderland manager after the Italian was sacked on Sunday.

Di Canio was sacked following a poor start to the season that saw the club take only one point from five Premier League games – and only hours after a training ground inquest into Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at West Brom.

Kevin Ball has been appointed caretaker manager but Zola has been linked along with former Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo, Gus Poyet, Tony Pulis and Alex McLeish.

Zola is happy to be mentioned as a contender, but he is also focused on his job at Watford.

“Of course I am flattered that I have been considered but I am really happy over here and like what I am doing,” said the Italian.

“I think my growth as a manager has been massive and so I want to fulfil this task that I will be here.”

Di Canio was axed after some senior Sunderland players complained to the club about him, according to reports.

In the fallout from that meeting, some of the club’s senior men went above Di Canio’s head to express their concerns about his management style.