Steve Bruce admitted heavy criticism of Newcastle United’s season is hurting his players but wants to use that to create a siege mentality.
Newcastle go into Wednesday's clash with Liverpool seven points clear of the relegation zone, although unrest among supporters gathers pace.
That frustration heightened when Championship side Brentford knocked the Magpies out of the Carabao Cup last week. Bruce, whose squad has contended with significant after-effects of their recent coronavirus outbreak, believes they can prove a point.
‘The criticism hurts them but I hope I can create a mentality to make sure we roll our sleeves up and shut a few people up,’ he said.