Western Sydney coach Markus Babbel has brushed off speculation about his job security in the A-League, saying criticism always comes with losing.
Pressure is mounting on the embattled coach after last week's 2-0 loss to Newcastle extended their losing streak to three games.
They have now claimed just one point in their past four matches, prompting suggestions the German coach could be facing the sack.
Former Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat has already been linked to the club, however, Babbel insists the conjecture comes with the territory.
"Of course you get critiqued if you're not getting results. This is normal. Europe is exactly the same like here in Australia," Babbel said on Thursday.
"If you can't get results, so the critique comes."
The former Liverpool defender is in charge of a new-look squad this season after failing to lead the Wanderers to the finals in his first term in charge in 2018-19.
But Babbel applied the blowtorch on his team after their collapse against the Jets, and said the onus on the players to turn it around against Wellington on Saturday.
"It's only up to us. Work hard, stay disciplined, stay in the structure," he said.
"But also be brave. Do whatever you have to do in your position and you will see it will change.
"It's only up to us to put the critics away.
"If we start to get results again, no one is talking anymore about the situation."
Babbel, who is in the second year of a three-season deal, was reportedly given a five-game ultimatum to prove he was the right man for the job.
While the initial signs were promising - sitting top after winning three of their opening four games - the sudden drop-off has been alarming.
With another daunting road trip to Perth the following week, Western Sydney's next fortnight could shape as a critical period for Babbel's future.
Babbel said recent dialogue with his bosses hasn't given him cause for concern.
"We talk every time, not only if it's negative. We also talk if it's positive," he said.
"(We) always have the conversation with the guys and explain why it is like it is.
"Even if you wanted, everything was positive, also it's not everything negative."
On the injury front, Polish import Radoslaw Majewski underwent knee a reconstruction on Monday, two months after tearing his ACL.
Majewski, who signed on a one-year deal, sought a second opinion after suffering the injury during pre-season before ultimately opting for surgery.