Steve Bruce admits Sunderland have a seven-game season between now and the end of the campaign.
Black Cats boss preparing for 'seven-game season'
Steve Bruce admits Sunderland have a 'seven-game season' between now and the end of the campaign.
The Black Cats have been on a terrible run of form recently and went down 5-0 at Manchester City last time out after a woeful display.
Bruce's men have slipped into the bottom half and suddenly find themselves looking over their shoulder rather than at the European places.
Sunderland take on West Brom this weekend and their manager is well aware how important their remaining games will be.
"We have a seven-game season and it starts with a cup final," Bruce said in the
Daily Mail.
Knives out
"The knives are out and we can't hide. We need a response so this week has been hands-on. I kicked everybody's a***s for three days and asked questions.
"I won't ever reveal what is said in a dressing room but a few things were said and will stay there.
"Two months ago we were the bee's knees. Now there is doubt and a question mark over us and we have to answer that.
"I have always believed in staying on an even keel so I don't get carried away when things go well and don't beat myself up when they go wrong.
"But I am easy fodder at the moment. The people who thought I knew what I was doing six weeks ago now think I've lost the plot.
"That's football management. You lead from the front in difficult times, keep your head above the parapet and come out for more."
Ambition
Bruce still has ambitions to finish in the top 10 this term and admits there is still big expectation on Wearside.
He added: "Our aim is top 10. This club finished seventh under Reidy twice and apart from that, in 50 years, we have never finished in the top 10 - that's what we are up against.
"All of a sudden, we think Sunderland should be in the top ten. But I'm from here and I understand the expectation. People live, eat and drink football and it engulfs them.
"That's why I want to give them a team. That's why I came.
"If we win on Saturday, everything is hunky dory again and with six games to go we could go as high as joint seventh.
"After all the hard work we have put in, we cannot let the season fizzle away. That would be a crying shame."
