Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has admitted that he is finding it "difficult" to implement his ideas on the team due to various "disruptions".
The former West Ham United boss has overseen one victory and three defeats in the Premier League since taking over at the Stadium of Light.
"The Newcastle victory didn't cloud my opinion, apart from the fact that if we can stay as clinical as we were in that game, we'll win more games, but I have to get the whole team better than what they are at the moment," The Shields Gazette quotes Allardyce as saying.
"I'm finding that difficult based on the disruption I've faced with the injuries, suspensions and international weeks. There can be too much information, which can be as harmful as giving them the information at all. I can't over-inform them, I've got to do it bit by bit, game by game, week by week."
After the international break, Sunderland will take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on November 23.
Danielle Joynson
