Sunderland chairman Bob Murray told Peter Reid to take a couple of days off to "clear his head" in the wake of the defeat against Newcastle.
Sunderland are second from bottom in the Premiership and Reid's seven-year reign as boss is under threat as he prepares his team for Saturday's visit of Aston Villa.
Reid criticised his players publicly following the defeat at St James' Park and his assistant, Adrian Heath, and player-coach Niall Quinn took training in the early part of this week.
Murray told the Daily Express: "I told Peter not to come in for a couple of days so he could clear his head and focus completely on this weekend's game".
Reid said: "I am in touch with the training ground but after having a word with the chairman I said I would keep away for a couple of days to let things settle before we get ready for Villa".