Former Sunderland star Julio Arca believes the players are to blame for Gus Poyet's sacking.
The Black Cats board sacked Poyet on Monday after they fell to within a point of the relegation zone but ex-Argentine midfielder Arca feels the manager has copped the brunt of the punishment.
"People are just blaming the manager but you have to look at the players' performances as well," he told talkSPORT's 'Hawksbee and Jacobs'.
"The manager is trying to pick the best 11 every weekend but, if the players don't perform, it's very hard for him. I'm sure the players know they haven't been playing well.
"They have nine games left to work hard and try and get as many points as possible. It's not going to be hard for them."
