The Paolo Di Canio era will begin in Sunderland when the team takes on Chelsea Sunday. However, Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez wants to make it clear that he does not want Di Canio's arrival to be a distraction for his club.
"We are playing Sunderland, not the manager," said Benítez about Sunderland's new manager. "I don't think the manager can make that much difference if they do not have the right players. They will be different on Sunday so we will have to concentrate. But we will play in the style and the way we can play and not worry about them. We just need to concentrate on our game."
Di Canio was forced to issue a statement denying his involvement in fascist activity Wednesday and he is expected to help the team avoid relegation. As it stands, Sunderland is only one point out of a relegation spot.
"I know a bit about him," Chelsea's Eden Hazard said. "There's been a lot of talk about him here. He's a big personality here and I think he was a great player. I'm sure he will do a good job there but after we have won on Sunday."
Chelsea is two points behind Tottenham for the third spot in the league and is one point behind Arsenal for fourth spot; they hold a game in hand on each club.
"If we can finish in the top four, after ending sixth last year, that would mean we have more consistency and is a step forward," he said. "We've learned from what happened last year and won't make the same mistakes again. We know we have to be playing in next season's Champions League," said Chelsea's Juan Mata.
Prediction: Chelsea wins 2-0.
Start Time: 10 AM EST
TV: Fox Soccer Channel
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