Paolo di Canio admits he's surprised to see Sunderland struggling.

Di Canio admits he cannot understand how the club have sunk so low in the Premier League - because he is sure the quality is there to get out of it.

He said: "I don't know what has happened here but with the players we've got I can't imagine why we are only one point above the relegation zone.

"It is obvious it was a shock to the players to see me. I have been in that situation as a footballer before.

"Maybe two or three players for instance will not be happy because they had a good relationship with the previous manager, that is natural. Others might be happier because they were not involved before.

"I had a chat with them on the first day for 20 minutes and then we had a really good session.

"They responded in a really good way with fantastic commitment. It is obvious we are going to change our philosophy."