Chris Coleman admits his reputation was dented by miserable stint in charge of Sunderland
Welshman was sacked by the Black Cats following relegation to League One in April
CHRIS COLEMAN admits he fell on his face at Sunderland but says he is not worried about how people now view him.
The Welshman was sacked by the Black Cats following relegation to League One in April and has now become a manager in the Chinese Super League.
Coleman’s stock was sky-high as recently as last November before he quit Wales after six years as national boss.
But that reputation took a major dent with just five wins in 29 games at the Stadium of Light.
Yet Coleman said: “I don’t worry about what anyone says. I failed in my first campaign with Wales and I didn’t listen to anyone then.
“We were successful in France but I didn’t listen to anyone then either.
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“Yes, I fell on my face at Sunderland. I don’t regret taking the Sunderland job.
It was just the right club but at the wrong time but this is another job, a new challenge and I’m going to give it my best shot.”
Coleman moved to Beijing last month with long-term assistant Kit Symons, goalkeeper coach Tony Roberts and fitness guru Adam Owen.
Hebei China Fortune have the likes of Javier Mascherano, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Gervinho in their ranks.
The Chinese Super League is currently on a mid-season break during the World Cup.
Coleman’s first game in the Far East is against Dalian Aerbin on July 18.