Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini says Nordi Mukiele's comment about the side becoming "arrogant" might have "come across a bit stronger than he intended" following the Black Cats' 2-0 defeat by Bournemouth.

Despite winning their opening two Europa League games, Regis le Bris' side are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League and haven't recorded a league victory since beating Fulham on 30 August.

"Mukiele's had a bit of stick from certain individuals, so I think he was just speaking from the heart," Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle. "He was also speaking a foreign language, so maybe it came across a bit stronger than he intended.

"He is absolutely right, though. It is a different season. We've played a number of the top sides in our first seven games, which does make things more difficult, but we do look quite different.

"Le Bris is having problems with his wide players. It appears he doesn't know who to play. We've seen him try to rotate and make changes, while giving players rest and firing other players up at the same time.

"It isn't an easy job - and we have to remember it's a new challenge for him as well. They are all in this together and the only way to start moving forward is by continuing to stick together.

"Sometimes you do have to call each other out or kick someone up the backside. I've got no issue with that because it is part of the game."