Sacked Sunderland boss Paolo di Canio was ready for war with his players after defeat to West Bromwich Albion, it has been revealed.
The People says the fiery Italian remarkably showed his anger at the team's display against West Brom with his party trick before a furious verbal assault on his flops.
Di Canio took a drink of water, sprayed it upwards, let it fall on his face and rubbed it in. He did this a few times in front of his shocked men.
Then the Black Cats' under-pressure boss told his team "that is what you have done to me, spat in my face" before telling them to do it to themselves.
This prompted a war of words, with some players saying that is exactly what he has been doing to them with his insults.
One player said they would have shown more spirit for a manager they respected rather one who criticised them in public.
The rage between Di Canio and his disenchanted side went on - and continued the next day at the training ground.
The Italian was sacked the same day.
