Burnley boss Scott Parker says he will “keep bouncing back” despite feeling “the pressure” of trying to keep the club in the Premier League.
The Clarets, who returned to the top flight in the summer, have won just three of their opening 16 games and sit 19th in the table, six points from safety.
“I feel the pressure every time I’m sat in this position, I’ve felt the pressure every time I’ve walked out on the football pitch for 20 years of my career,” said Parker.
“There’s no-one will ever, no owner, no fan, yourself asking me the question or the guy who’s asked you to ask the question to me, that will put more pressure on me than I put on myself.
“I’m a winner, I’m a fighter and throughout my career and throughout my life, that’s exactly what I’ve been, and there’s always been pressure. That’s just the way it is.
“Pressure is something you learn to deal with, and also it’s that pressure and that fear at times – because no doubt at times there’s fear – that drives, absolutely drives.”
Since winning at bottom club Wolves on 26 October, Parker’s side have endured a dreadful run of seven consecutive defeats, with their previous three losses against Fulham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace all coming by a solitary goal.
And a section of the Turf Moor crowd let their dissatisfaction with the situation be known following last weekend’s 3-2 reverse to the Cottagers, with boos ringing out around the ground at full time.
“I don’t think it’s justified and I have an understanding of it and that doesn’t come from what I believe but I understand it because of the world we are in,” Parker added.
“I don’t agree with it. You don’t become a bad coach in four months.
“You are working tirelessly and you are fully committed. It’s what you sign up for. I am an emotional person and I wear my heart in my sleeve.
“To get the team to this position in the Premier League and see it change so quickly is hurtful. I will never be in doubt, you can chuck anything at me and I will keep bouncing back to try and improve this group.”