Sunderland midfielder Yann M'Vila says the players are to blame for their dismal season - and not manager Dick Advocaat.

M'Vila believes the vastly-experienced Advocaat is the best man to get Sunderland out of trouble.

“It's not the fault of the manager at all, like some people are saying," said the on-loan Ruben Kazan midfielder to the Evening Chronicle.

“It's completely the fault of the players at the moment. The coach works very hard, he talks to us and is a motivator. For me, he has given me the confidence to play my natural game.

“We should be giving everything for the supporters of Sunderland.

“It's not the coach. For me, it's a question of mentality."