Nigel Pearson has hit back at the critics who he says are 'revelling' in Leicester City's poor run.
The defeat at Southampton on Saturday was City's fourth consecutive reverse and fifth in six games.
Pearson said there were some who were enjoying the negativity about City's situation.
However, the City boss said he knew what was required to get his side out of their slump and would be focused on improving their fortunes.
"People seem to revel in the fact that we are on a poor run," he said.
"There seems to be a thirst for negativity. I don't buy into that.
"I am never a believer in listening too much to that stuff.
"For me, there is too big a shift in terms of the negativity which then surrounds us.
"I am responsible for my team and happy to accept the responsibility, but the bottom line is I have a pretty good handle on where we are at and what is required.
"Becoming a Premier League side that is capable week in and week out doesn't happen overnight.
"Getting here is tough and staying here is even tougher, but I believe we can still be competitive."
One criticism aimed at Pearson in recent games is that his diamond midfield has reduced City's creativity in wide positions and, as a result, top scorer Leonardo Ulloa has been starved of service. But Pearson said City needed to avoid being over-run in central areas.
"I accept there is going to be criticism at times and people question why there is no wide player in there," he said.
"When you have the strength of midfield we had, it was key to stay in the game without allowing a very good team like Southampton to boss possession.
"Unfortunately for us, we didn't quite find the answers.
"I think the players worked exceptionally hard and we defended with an awful lot of commitment and sprit, and that came from front to back.
"But the quality side of it is costing us quite severely at the moment."
Pearson admitted he had some sympathy for Ulloa and his lack of goalscoring opportunities.
"He has had a good season so far but what he hasn't had is a lot of chances recently," said the City boss. "Strikers score goals from chances.
"His contribution to the side remains very positive, but he has to continue to work hard."