Sbragia stays calm despite Sunderland's recent slump

(GETTY IMAGES)

The Sunderland manager, Ricky Sbragia, knows he could be fighting for his job as the season draws to a close.

The Scot insists he has been under no illusions since he succeeded Roy Keane in December as to the nature of the task ahead of him, but remains relaxed about it. However, he is well aware of the penalty for failure with the Black Cats having slipped to within three points of the Premier League relegation zone as a result of Saturday's 2-0 defeat at West Ham United.

"I don't think you are ever secure as a manager, no matter what support you have got," Sbragia said. "I knew when I took the job on what was expected – I have to keep the club up, it's as simple as that. If I don't achieve that, I don't know what's going to happen. But I don't feel the pressure because I try not to read the papers or let the media spotlight get to me."

The chairman, Niall Quinn, appointed Sbragia as permanent manager after a short but successful spell as caretaker in the immediate aftermath of Keane's departure. But after a good start of two victories and a draw in his first four games, Sunderland have won just one of their last eight League matches.

That has left them in a perilous position heading into Saturday's difficult home match against the League leaders Manchester United with Sbragia hoping the champions will continue to show signs of vulnerability. "Against Manchester United, anything can happen," he said. "We have to hope that they maybe have an off-day."