Seen this in the paper, tbf not a clue about him but given the connection any thoughts?
Just paper talk, don't know if there is any truth in it at all
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/latest/2008/12/13/leo-beenhakker-new-favourite-to-replace-roy-keane-as-sunderland-manager-115875-20968194/Leo Beenhakker new favourite to replace Roy Keane as Sunderland manager
By Brian McNally 13/12/2008
Leo Beenhakker is set to test his reputation as world football’s most successful trouble-shooter at Sunderland.
In a dramatic, but deeply considered, change of strategy chairman Niall Quinn and his board are looking towards the appointment of a proven global manager as the man to succeed Roy Keane.
Beenhakker, Holland’s answer to Sir Bobby Robson in terms of popularity, longevity and reputation, has been placed at the top of their managerial short-list alongside Gerard Houllier and Alan Curbishley, the former Charlton and West Ham manager.
Beenhakker’s case is being pushed by the Black Cats’ new commercial director Chris Woerts.
The Dutchman recently took up his role alongside Quinn at the Stadium of Light and has impressed with his detailed knowledge of European football. Given the mood of confrontation used by Keane during his time in charge Beenhakker, 66, is seen as the hands-on coach who gets out on the training ground, makes clear demands of his staff and then enjoys a relaxed rapport with fans and the media.
Beenhakker is currently national boss of Poland. He guided them to the Euro 2008 finals, and persuading the Polish FA to release their most successful boss in years will be a challenge for the Black Cats’ hierarchy.
Beenhakker certainly fits Sunderland’s blueprint for their next boss. He has a proven track record for calming stormy waters and turning teams in turmoil into winners – at the highest level.
Although he has never worked in England, Beenhakker will not be a stranger to some Sunderland players.
Dwight Yorke, Kenwyne Jones and Carlos Edwards will all have great memories of their time with the famous Dutchman. During his time in charge of Trinidad & Tobago Beenhakker inspired the
Carribbean stars to the unlikely achievement of reaching the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.
While managing Trinidad, Beenhakker worked alongside Mario Been, another gifted Dutch coach who is recognised as one of the outstanding young talents. Beenhakker may well want to bring Been with him to the Premier League.
The comparison with Geordie legend Sir Bobby Robson is understandable. Both men achieved success at home and abroad and, with his silver grey hair and charismatic character, Beenhakker has also always been a joy to work with for media and the players alike.
In fact, Beenhakker and Robson were international rivals at the 1990 World Cup finals in Italy. Beenhakker was in charge of a Holland team including Ruud Gullitt, Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard, while Robson led England, inspired by Paul Gascoigne, to the semi-finals.
Today, 24 clubs and four national teams show up on Beenhakker’s curriculum vitae.
Like Sir Bobby he has the gift of creating a bubbly and warm atmosphere in squads and turning hostile dressing rooms into centres of motivation and enthusiasm.
In his homeland Beenhakker was manager at the country’s biggest clubs – Ajax and Feyenoord. He has also managed Holland – twice. His highest profile time came when he was manager at Real Madrid in the mid-eighties and won the Spanish title three times in a row.
Beenhakker’s powers of communication are legendary. He speaks fluent English, German and Spanish, and he isn’t frightened to criticise his players when he feels they deserve it.
He branded a crop of Ajax youngsters “the fish and chips generation” and claimed that modern pros do not work as hard as old-time players.
He explained: “They don’t live for their sport. They have fun and would rather live off fish and chips and play a game on a Sunday.”
Clearly Beenhakker may be approaching his retirement but he hasn’t lost his passion for football and won’t tolerate players who can’t match his commitment and enthusiasm.