New Sunderland head coach Paolo Di Canio has insisted that there were some positives to be taken from his team's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea earlier today.

The Italian saw his side take the lead at Stamford Bridge, only for that advantage to be wiped out within eight minutes of the restart.

"I am not worried [about relegation], when I decided to move to Sunderland I knew what players were here but we have to fight until the end of the season," he told BBC Sport.

"I won't say this was a bonus game but it was a test for us to see what we can do. I am not happy we lost 2-1 but there were positive things I can take from this."

Meanwhile, Di Canio went on to reveal that his side's fitness levels will be improved over the coming weeks.

"It was impossible [to maintain first-half performance] because physically we spent a lot of energy in the first half, we had fantastic discipline, the players are working hard," added the Italian.

"This team at this moment is not a team that can play Chelsea for 95 minutes. In the next few weeks we will do more work and extend the physical condition."

Next up for the Black Cats is a clash against rivals Newcastle United.