PAOLO Di Canio has warned his Sunderland players to expect a punishing work schedule in the final two months of the season, but expressed confidence he will be able to guide them to safety in the remaining seven games.

Di Canio took charge of his first training session at the Academy of Light yesterday, having been appointed as Martin O'Neill's successor late on Sunday evening.

The Italian presides over his first game as head coach on Sunday when Sunderland travel to Chelsea, and will have to hit the ground running with his side just one point above the relegation zone.

He has limited scope for change in terms of personnel, but has pledged to increase his players' work load in an attempt to ensure they are capable of giving their all.

"The fact this club is only one point away from the relegation zone is something strange, because in this club and this team there is quality," said Di Canio. "It means that something went wrong in the past. I don't want to judge anyone, but we have to work more for sure.

"I come from a philosophy of work. I know only one way to get results at any level - work, work, work, work, work. And when I say work, it doesn't mean you have to work or run for five hours. It means we have to be focused for 24 hours a day.

"At this stage of the season, we have to feel more responsibility. I feel responsibility even though I have just arrived, and I have to persuade the players to feel the same.

"I have my plans for during the week, and probably it will mean the players have less time free. But I've always said to my players previously - they don't have to love me, they have to follow me, that's enough to have success."

While Di Canio was not at the Stadium of Light for Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Manchester United, the former Swindon Town boss has studied a number of the club's previous games.

He has identified areas for improvement, and cites a lack of passion and desire as a key deficiency he will no longer tolerate.

"Watching some games in the last few weeks, I didn't see enough fire in some individuals," said Di Canio, in an interview with SAFC TV. "I am sure there is fire in this team because they are a group of good lads, a mix of adult and young players."With the right motivation, they can beat any side in the league because they have done that in the past. But at the moment they are in difficulties."I expect from my players the maximum of their ability and the desire to do the right job together. We only have seven games so we have to work quickly to understand each other."If it is necessary to make some sacrifices we will do that because this cause is a crucial cause, not only for the players and Paolo Di Canio's staff, but also for the thousands of people who care about this club."

Ellis Short's decision to appointment Di Canio must be interpreted as a gamble given the Italian's lack of previous experience in the top-flight.

He won the League Two title at Swindon, and had guided the Robins to the top of League One before he left citing a breakdown with the board because of financial difficulties, but he is yet to manage in either of England's top two leagues.

Nevertheless, a number of the players to have been under his control in the past have spoken effusively about his motivational qualities, and the 44-year-old is clearly relishing the opportunity to ply his trade in the Premier League.

"At Swindon, I felt like I was at Barcelona because for me it was the best job," he said. "It was a big privilege to be manager. Here, it's like Brazil in the 70s, I feel even more responsibility because the stage is bigger and there are even more fans.

"I know the Sunderland fans are very passionate people. It is an extra lift to me because I have a big opportunity thanks to the club. I want to deliver the maximum we can - keep the club in the league this year and build a very green future where Sunderland fans can be happy more than sad.

"I can promise we will work so hard, and from now, the players will work really hard too. It is what we have to do to get results. We want to make the people proud of the way we approach the game and play.

"We have to honour the shirt every time. We have to leave the field, not only sweating, but also full of blood. That was my philosophy as a player, and I want to deliver it as a manager."

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