Paolo di Canio: Detractors for me are like 'crows'

Paolo di Canio

Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has hit back at his critics by branding them as “crows”. The manager believes that he is yet to convince a large section about the big changes he has made at the club during the summer.

Di Canio introduced new rules such as a room-key lottery on away trips and bans on everything from marmite to drinks with ice cubes. Apart from the tweaking of training regiment, the Italian has made a raft of signings over the summer to bolster the squad.

“I don’t mind having people against me because it is very satisfying when you win at the end and prove them wrong. What is important is that you don’t give up. Don’t listen to the ones who keep putting the club down – they are like crows. Everyone should stay positive because we are going to have a very good season – I’m sure about that,” said Di Canio.

Di Canio made 11 new signings in the summer with Greek midfielder Charis Mavrias being the latest addition.

Sunderland started the season with a 1-0 defeat to Fulham at the Stadium of Light last weekend.

The Black Cats next travel to big spending Southampton on Saturday.