Steve Bruce refused to be disheartened by Sunderland's abject performance in their 0-0 draw against Fulham.
Black Cats boss disappointed with 'nervous' display
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce refused to be disheartened by his side's abject performance in their 0-0 stalemate against Fulham, but admitted they must improve.
Despite having the majority of possession and creating the better chances, the draw leaves Bruce's men without a league win in 14 matches.
The Black Cats currently sit just three points above the Premier League relegation zone and Bruce acknowledged that his charges need to start picking up points at home to escape their current predicament.
"I think we have had five or six draws from seven games and we need a win to build confidence," stated Bruce.
"You can see there is nervousness in the team and we need to cope with that.
"We have to stick together and try and gain some confidence from somewhere, and that can only come with a win.
"We surrendered possession, we were too direct and we couldn't find the final pass. It was very frustrating, but Fulham played well."
Responsibility
Bruce had been backed by his squad last week and returned the favour, taking responsibility for his men who had received stinging criticism from supporters.
The former Wigan boss added: "Listen, I am the manager, the buck stops with me. I have brought five or six of them to the club and anything that's levelled at any of them, it is my job to try to protect them if I can, which I will do.
"Of course it's my responsibility and it hasn't been easy, that's for sure. But the one thing I am not going to do is shy away from it.
"I always knew it was going to be difficult. The great start we got off to maybe led us up a path we weren't ready for.
"However, I didn't want this to happen, that's for sure, and the only thing that's left for me to do is make sure I stick with it.
"I think I have been decent at the job in the past and I am convinced I am still right to do it."
Home advantage
Due to postponed matches, Sunderland have three back-to-back home games coming up and Bruce reckons the fans can help their team bounce back.
He added: "They are absolutely fantastic and it cannot have been good for them at times as the team are short of confidence.
"I think the supporters recognise the nervousness and edginess of the team and I think they can play their part and help the team.
"If we are honest we have to be playing better than that and play better than we have done today and match the expectations of this football club.
"We have just got to keep together and turn it round."
