Sunderland chief executive Martin Bain says manager David Moyes' job is not in danger despite Jermain Defoe saying the club have 'gone backwards' since his appointment.
The Black Cats are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table with two points from the opening eight games.
The pressure is mounting on former Everton and Manchester United boss Moyes, who signed a four-year contract when he replaced Sam Allardyce in the summer.
Defoe, the club's star striker, said the club could be set for another season of struggle.