Paolo Di Canio accepts Sunderland fans' criticism

Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio says he accepts any criticism aimed at him by the club's fans, admitting he "would be furious" with recent displays too.

He walked over to face travelling supporters who made their feelings clear after the 3-0 loss at West Brom.

"I absorb the insults as it's part of the game - if I was in their position I'd be furious," said the Italian.

"But I'm professional: 24 hours a day I work for this cause. One day their reaction will be a different reaction."

Former Swindon boss Di Canio, 45, has overseen just three victories since taking charge at the Stadium of Light in March, the most recent of them coming back in March against Everton.

The latest defeat - by a side who were also winless in the league before this meeting - keeps the Black Cats bottom of the Premier League table with just one point from their opening five games.

"I knew that they were furious. I went to them [at the end of the game] because I wanted to see their faces. It's easy to go over when they're clapping or singing your name. I'm responsible but my head is up. I won't give up.

"It's obvious we're still not together. We don't have many leaders in terms of desire to play with a premier style. We had our chances to come back into the game but we missed them and conceded very silly goals."

Sunderland face Peterborough in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday, with Manchester United and Liverpool next up in the Premier League.

"I'm never going to change my regime. I am what I am," added Di Canio.

"My way to manage the team is for the top, top level. I have to be clear to everyone - the board, the chairman, the fans - I'm never going to change and never going to give up.

"One day, if I receive the full support from the players, we will turn the corner."