Everton boss David Moyes has attempted to deflect criticism from the board by taking responsibility for the club's perceived failings.
A faction of disgruntled supporters believe Everton have stagnated under chairman Bill Kenwright due to a lack of investment and want him to sell his stake in the club.
Kenwright has long said he is willing to do that if he can find a suitable investor but there have been peaceful fan protests against his ownership this season.
Some fans also voiced their disquiet after last week's frustrating Premier League draw with Blackburn but Moyes believes it is up to the team to put that right.
Moyes, whose side are 14th in the table, said: "The only negativity there is is because of how the team play. We have not played well enough. It is nothing to do with the board of directors or the chairman, it is to do with me and the team.
"We have got to do better on the pitch. If the team plays better it lifts the mood and people change.
"We need to perform better and win more often. If we do that it will change everything.
"Winning football games is always the answer so I will take responsibility for that."