I do not kill people, 'clarifies' Sunderland coach Paolo Di Canio
The firebrand Italian, who replaced Martin O'Neill towards the end of last season, kept the Black Cats in the Premier League but faced criticism for his no-nonsense handling of his players and his strict training regime.
Famously feisty Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio insisted on Friday that his players were not scared of him, saying: "I don't kill people."
The firebrand Italian, who replaced Martin O'Neill towards the end of last season, kept the Black Cats in the Premier League but faced criticism for his no-nonsense handling of his players and his strict training regime.
His former boss at third-tier Swindon Town famously said Di Canio managed "by hand grenade".
"The players cannot fear the manager, it's not possible," Di Canio told a press conference in Hong Kong, where his side take on Manchester City on Saturday in the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy.
"I don't kill people, I let them train."
He added: "Our team is a very good team, but not a top team. To reduce the gap between us and the top clubs it's obvious that we need a strategy and tactics and technical quality.
"But physical condition is also one of the main parts, otherwise it is difficult to reduce this gap."
And he joked: "No, they are not worried (about me)... obviously they don't love me. I told them: they don't need to love me, they have to follow me, and then they're going to be ok.
"Sometimes we have a fight and sometimes they drive me crazy, and then I'm going to get angry, but to be honest it is more like a family, with respect."
Di Canio's shock appointment at the Stadium of Light in March stirred controversy due to his far right-wing politics.
Sunderland beat Spurs 3-1 in torrential rain in Hong Kong on Wednesday to book a final date with City.