Dick Advocaat has admitted that he is to blame for Sunderland’s horrendous start to the season.

The 67-year-old Dutchman managed to steer the Black Cats away from relegation in the closing weeks of last season but his side look set for another nine months of struggle after the 4-2 loss at Leicester City on the opening weekend was followed by a grim 3-1 home defeat to Norwich City on Saturday.

The Sunderland boss held an open team meeting with his squad at the Academy of Light on Sunday after fans had vented their ire on chairman Ellis Short during the Canaries clash.

Advocaat had initially said he was leaving the club at the end of last season only to embark on a U-turn and commit himself to the Black Cats for the current campaign.

However, he has admitted to being frustrated at the lack of funds he has been given to strengthen a squad that is 1.63 to be relegated from the Premier League this term.

He said: “I have a feeling and an idea (behind the club’s long-term problems), but I have to discuss that with other people. I have to be diplomatic because I cannot blame anyone. I have to blame myself as well.

“You have to find a solution one way or the other, and I will do what is the best for the club. But I cannot go on this way, it’s quite simple. If we keep playing this way, we have no chance at all and I don’t want that.”

Sunderland’s next game is against Swansea City on Saturday and it is a clash the Black Cats can be backed at 3.60 to win.