Florent Ghisolfi on why José Fonte joins Régis Le Bris's Sunderland staff | OneFootball

Sunderland have confirmed José Fonte will join the first-team coaching group this summer. The former Southampton and Lille defender ended his playing career this year and is set to bring significant experience to Wearside.

Director of football Florent Ghisolfi said Fonte’s top-level background would benefit the club this season, as Sunderland prepare to compete in Europe for the first time in over 50 years. Fonte will begin on 20 July, shortly after pre-season starts at York City and before the USA tour.

He highlighted the leadership and energy Fonte will bring, and said those qualities would complement a staff already performing outstandingly under Régis Le Bris. He added the club are delighted to welcome him and believe he can aid their push in the Premier League and on the European stage.

Sunderland moved to strengthen the coaching group following the departures of Pedro Ribeiro and Luciano Vulcano across the last 12 months.

As it stands, they will enter the new campaign with Fonte joining long-serving coaches Michael Proctor and Alessandro Barcherini, goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler, Chief Analyst Isidre Ramón Madir and set-piece coach James Brayne.

Source: Sunderland Echo