Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio is confident he will lead the Black Cats to a comfortable mid-table position by Christmas after a slow start to the campaign. Di Canio said: "I never feel pressure. Even in 20 games' time if we still had one point I would feel responsible but not under pressure - it is different.
"After three games I am not worried. I know by December we will be nearly in the middle of the table. I'm sure about that. In December, January, February we will win many games and take off.
"I'm sure about my strategy and philosophy and methodology. But it is difficult because in football there is panic, the players sometimes don't believe in things. You have to believe that in 20 games' time you will be in a different position."
Di Canio believes a lack of communication has proved a crucial part in his side's sluggish start, having signed 13 foreign players.
Di Canio added: "I can help but I can't become a school teacher for the foreign players every single moment. They have to think they have decided to come to England so they have to speak English.
"If you are intelligent and you really want to gel with the others you have to think one day I will learn five or 10 key words for the match. It takes five minutes, and it is their responsibility.
"The communication is crucial because it helps you react in time. We must communicate on the field otherwise we will pay a price."