Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has said this is the “toughest” period of his managerial career, with supporters turning against him and the team.
Hodgson is under pressure as Palace manager, having won just one of his last five games.
The 76-year-old will be in charge of his 200th Premier League game on Monday when Palace host Chelsea.
”[Fans] These are people who cannot be turned against us because we need them,” Mr Hodgson said.
“It was the toughest period of my career for one reason: the fans were very hostile to us.
“Even if we're going to win games and this team is going to do well, it's not going to be possible unless the fans are always alert to everything that's going on.
“Aside from that, of course, it joined many other times in my life where I was happier and more content.”
Palace fans held up banners at matches calling for Hodgson to be sacked.
The manager said he had not discussed “thoughts or plans” with Palace chairman Steve Parish or sporting director Dougie Freedman amid reports that Palace were searching for a replacement.
Mr Hodgson added: “We are particularly in need of this.” [supporters] We are now in a very weakened position, and with their help and sympathy we could do something. Some of the players playing on Monday night have not played that many games for Palace's first team.
“They're going to need a sympathetic eye rather than a very critical eye.”
Hodgson, a former England manager, has managed clubs including Inter Milan, Blackburn, Fulham, Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion, as well as the national teams of Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and Finland.
he Resigns as England manager After losing 2-1 to Iceland in the last 16 of the 2016 European Championship.
