Paolo Di Canio: Don't blame Gus Poyet, Ellis Short is the reason for Sunderland trouble

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Former Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has hit out at owner Ellis Short by insisting that he and not Gus Poyet is to blame for the club’s sorry state.

The controversial Italian was sacked just six games into the 2013-14 campaign despite saving the Black Cats from relegation the previous season.

Poyet, too, has now been axed by Short after Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa left them one place and one point above the drop zone. 

Former Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has hit out at chairman Ellis Short over the club's relegation battle

Di Canio has been critical of Short (above), his transfer dealings and his interference in the dressing room

Di Canio celebrates his first victory as Sunderland manager, over Everton back in April 2013

But Di Canio came out in support of his successor, claiming that billionaire American Short is responsible for Sunderland’s current plight.

‘It’s not Poyet’s fault because chairman Ellis Short is the real origin of all these troubles,’ Di Canio told Fox Sports.

‘I saved Sunderland when the club was sinking, along with my staff. I completed a true miracle, on and off the pitch.

‘We tried to change the philosophy of the team. In the two previous years, no fines were given, despite players getting drunk and partying until late, even a few days before a match.

‘I was giving fines even for (players being) five minutes late.

‘It’s fundamental, to keep order in the dressing room. I took all the responsibilities, but my project was immediately cut off.

‘It was a choice which came from above. When I was the manager, two directors chose 16 players.

‘None of them are still at the club - neither the players, nor those directors.'  

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet was shown the door after his team's dismal display against Aston Villa 

Sunderland's Connor Wickham tussles with Aston Villa's Charles N'Zogbia during his side's 4-0 loss 

Gabriel Agbonlahor celebrates his second goal as Sunderland players look dejected at the Stadium of Light

One Sunderland fan holds up a sign, calling for Poyet's sacking during the 4-0 drubbing at home to Villa 

However, Di Canio believes Poyet should have done more to deal with ill-discipline in the squad and says supporters would never have streamed for the exits under his charge, as they did during the weekend loss to Villa.

‘I don’t want to blame Poyet, but if you’re afraid to fine one of your players, then you have to expect some troubles,' he added. 'This team is just looking for three worse teams to leave behind.

'When I was their manager, it never happened to see the supporters leaving the stadium before the final whistle.

'This never happened because we always played with dignity, regardless of the bad results. I don't know what's happening now, but it looks like the team is drifting.

VIDEO Under-fire Poyet understands fan anger  

Villa midfielder Fabian Delph slides in with a challenge on Sunderland winger Sebastian Larsson

Villa's Belgian striker Christian Benteke celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal against Sunderland