Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has admitted that he is not "bothered" if he is unpopular with his players.

The Italian has imposed a tough stance at the Stadium of Light since joining the club towards the end of last season, but he will make no apologies for his approach.

"I don't want to be unpopular, but I'm not a man who is bothered whether they say I'm a fantastic man in the dressing room," the Northern Echo quotes Di Canio as saying.

"I'm not the manager they can ask whether they can have three days off to play golf or tennis."

So far in the 2013-14 Premier League season, the Black Cats have secured one defeat and one draw.