Sunderland manager David Moyes says he was being "realistic" when he told the club's fans to prepare for another relegation battle.
The Black Cats have struggled for top-flight survival during the past four seasons and have lost their opening two Premier League games.
"There have been managers come and gone and everything has been very close to the bottom every season," said Moyes.
"I've said I want to change that but I can't do that overnight."
Moyes took over from Sam Allardyce at the end of July and has had limited time to strengthen his squad.