Steve Bruce says he should be taking the blame for Sunderland's poor run of form after their 0-0 draw with Fulham on Sunday.
The Black Cats winless streak stretched to 14 games after they failed to beat the Cottagers despite dominating possession and creating the better opportunities.
Sunderland will be desperate to try and end their winless streak as their consecutive run of four home games continues against Bolton next Tuesday.
Sunderland are now just three points above the dropzone having taken seven points from there last 14 games and Bruce believes any criticism the team is getting should be directed at him.
"I'm the manager and the buck stops with me," said Bruce.
"Of course it's my responsibility, and it hasn't been easy.
"
I'm not going to shy away from it.
"I always knew it was going to be difficult.
"
The great start that we got off to maybe led us down a path that we weren't ready for."