Lee Cattermole says Chris Coleman's tactical tinkering is taking time to get used to

The Black Cats boss has brought in a three-man defence in recent games as he looks to find a formation that will move the club away from the Championship trap door.

Sunderland sit bottom of the table, but have won three times in 11 games since Coleman took charge.

Their ability to build momentum has been hit by a depleted squad, meaning Coleman has been forced to rely on a number of young players.

Cattermole, who returned from injury himself in the 4-0 defeat against Cardiff at the weekend, says the change in tactics will take a bit of time to get used to.

He told the club's official website: "The gaffer has got great knowledge of the game, and experience, and he's great for the young players learning different systems.

"We change systems and have different ideas and sometimes that takes a bit of time (to get used to).

"You can see some games it works well for us but other opponents we struggle to cope with.

"It's been a little bit difficult but obviously really positive at times.

"We had a good team meeting last week and we need to remember what he (Coleman) said in that meeting. He showed us a lot of positives not only from games but from training day in, day out.

"It's a big few months now until the end of the season and if we can start building some momentum and get out of this position it can suddenly become a positive going into next year."