Former Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has revealed he deliberately stepped away from football after leaving the Stadium of Light, admitting the demands of the role had taken a significant toll on both him and his family.
Speakman departed Sunderland in February after more than six years at the club, ending a spell that saw him play a major role in the Black Cats' rise from League One back to the Premier League. Speaking to Dansk Fotbold following his appointment as FC Copenhagen's new director of football, the 40-year-old explained why taking time away from the game became essential before accepting his next challenge.
Speakman reflects on demanding Sunderland spell
Having previously held coaching and academy roles at Derby County and Birmingham City, Speakman's longest and most influential spell came at Sunderland, where he helped oversee the club's long-term rebuild.
Despite the success achieved on Wearside, he admitted the intensity of modern football leadership left little room for recovery.
"I was really keen to take some time off," Speakman said.
"These jobs are a privilege, and you have to remember that, but they also demand an enormous amount of energy and commitment. Not just from me, but from my family too, because it's a way of life."
His departure came shortly before Sunderland secured qualification for European competition, capping an impressive period of progress built on a clear recruitment strategy and a renewed focus on developing young talent.
A new project awaits in Copenhagen
Speakman has now begun work at FC Copenhagen, where he has been tasked with helping guide one of Denmark's biggest clubs through a new rebuilding phase following a disappointing period.
He explained that accepting the role was not simply a personal decision but one that involved his entire family.
"It's not just me signing. It's me, my wife and my children who are signing with FC Copenhagen."
One of Speakman's priorities will be restoring a strong connection between the team and its supporters, a philosophy that became a defining feature of Sunderland's revival during his time at the club.
He added:
"It's about fans being able to see themselves reflected in their team and in their football club. It's about ensuring that identity is represented in the right way, both on and off the pitch."
Key Points
- Kristjaan Speakman says he needed a break after leaving Sunderland.
- He spent more than six years helping rebuild the Black Cats.
- Speakman has now been appointed director of football at FC Copenhagen.
- He says his family played a key role in accepting the new position.
- Building a strong connection between supporters and the club will be central to his plans.
What's next?
Speakman's immediate focus will be overseeing FC Copenhagen's summer recruitment and shaping the squad ahead of the new season. The Danish club are aiming to return to consistent domestic success, with the new sporting director expected to implement many of the long-term planning principles that proved successful during his time at Sunderland.
Do you think Kristjaan Speakman's recruitment model can deliver the same success at FC Copenhagen that it brought to Sunderland?
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