Gareth Ainsworth insisted he can turn things around at QPR after a 4-0 defeat at home to Blackburn increased the pressure on him.
Ainsworth is determined to stay on as boss but his future looks uncertain after another dire performance.
Rangers have won just once at Loftus Road since last October and an 11th home game without a win set a new club record.
They almost went down under Ainsworth last season and are currently third from bottom in the Championship, having so far justified being one of the favourites for relegation this term.
But Ainsworth declared: “I’m a fighter and a scrapper. I’ll get this team out of this, no problem – I’ll get this team higher in the league. I’m going to work really hard to get out of this.
“For some reason it’s not clicking at the moment. I’ve got to work really hard on the training ground and I will do that.
“I believe we’ve got a better squad than when I first came. It didn’t show today, but I’m super-confident we’ll get points.
“I can stand in the mirror and know I give my best. If that’s not good enough then I’ll be told. But at the moment I intend to keep going and make myself and these players better.”
Ainsworth was a popular figure among R’s fans during a seven-year spell as a player at the club, but he has faced criticism for his direct style of play and the home crowd made their discontent clear during the game and after the final whistle.
Ainsworth said: “I understand the criticism totally. And if that criticism stays with me and away from the players, then give it to me. I can take it.
“I’ll give my all. I’ll give absolutely everything until somebody tells me not to.
“I’m really pleased with the application of some of the young players here. I think we’ve got a good future.
“But in the present, we’ve got to get points on the board, otherwise we’ll be in a relegation battle.
“That wasn’t good enough and I know it. I apologise to the fans. I’m not saying that was an acceptable performance.”
Blackburn boss Jon Dahl Tomasson said he never doubted his side despite them losing four matches in a row prior to their emphatic victory.
The Dane said: “Sometimes players can lose confidence, but they stuck to the plan.
“We’ve been playing good stuff, there have been a lot of positive things, and it’s great to have a win before the international break.
“I’m just sticking to the plan and the progress with this young team. We’ve played some great football and normally if you do the right things you will get wins.
“There’s maybe been a bit of noise, but if you keep playing you will get results.”
Arnor Sigurdsson scored twice and there were also goals for Tyrhys Dolan and Sammie Szmodics in a thumping win for Rovers, who were the better team throughout.
Tomasson said: “I’m thrilled with the result and the performance. Going away in the Championship and winning is not easy. It’s a brilliant result.
“We probably didn’t play our best game today but the connection was better and we scored goals.
“We also kept QPR from getting big chances. We were solid, which was important, and the goals were great.
“Scoring the goals was important and credit to the lads – this was a deserved victory.”
Hojlund form gives Man Utd 'luxury problem' for FA Cup final, says Ten Hag
Rasmus Hojlund's return to form presents a "luxury problem" for Manchester United ahead of this weekend's FA Cup final against Manchester City, says Erik ten Hag.
Hojlund came off the bench to score United's second goal as they rounded off their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, having also netted in last week's 3-2 victory over Newcastle United.
He finished his debut Premier League season with 10 goals, becoming the youngest player to reach double figures in 2023-24 (21 years, 105 days old as of Sunday).
Hojlund has battled injury problems and dips in form throughout the campaign, and in his absence, Ten Hag has often opted to deploy Bruno Fernandes as a false nine.
The Portugal international started United's last two matches in that position, and Ten Hag says he has plenty to think about as he prepares to name his cup final lineup.
"It is not a dilemma, it is a luxury problem," Ten Hag said.
"I think both formations can be a success because, as you know, we can play with the set-up from the Etihad, where we were a threat with Bruno's movement in behind.
"With Rasmus Hojlund in behind and in form, it is absolutely something we have to consider.
"Let's have a thought, but let's not say we only need 11 players. In a tough final, you need a bench as well."
Hojlund failed to score in his first 15 Premier League matches before ending his drought against Aston Villa on Boxing Day, though he did score five times in United's unsuccessful Champions League campaign before Christmas.
He has 16 goals across all competitions this term, which Ten Hag sees as a good effort when taking his fitness problems into account.
"It could always be better, but don't forget he had three injuries this season," Ten Hag said.
"He came in with an injury and missed the start, then he got injured before winter, and then got another injury after winter.
"Every time that has broken his rhythm. If you score 16 goals for a first season, it is okay, and remember it is also not over. We have the final too."
Onana willing to take Man Utd criticism 'bullets'
Andre Onana says he is willing to take criticism "bullets" after a poor Premier League campaign for Manchester United.
The Red Devils recorded their lowest-ever finish in eighth place, with the manager and players coming under scrutiny for some of their performances.
One of those singled out was Onana, who joined United from Inter at the start of the season, after an error-strewn start to his life at the club.
Asked how he deals with the criticism coming from fans, pundits, and former players, Onana said it does not bother him.
"For me, I don't pay attention to it. I have come into this team to take bullets because we are under construction – at the moment, we are not the best," he told the Overlap.
"We have other teams who are doing better than us, and we have to be honest and recognise that. If things and when things are going wrong, don't go for the youngest player – I'm here to take it, Bruno [Fernandes], Casemiro and Harry [Maguire] are there, and we are used to it.
"When it's people who were sitting where I'm sitting, who won everything, sometimes it's bizarre – we are in the same boat. We try to follow your thing and what you did. For me, I don't mind, but other people may be affected. For me, to be honest, it's just a part of the game."
United conceded 84 goals in all competitions this season, their worst-ever tally in a single campaign.
Erik ten Hag’s side also missed out on a European place due to their league finish but have another opportunity to get one if they beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Onana is optimistic though as he views the season as a learning curve.
"I'm happy because we have good people around us, especially at this club, who helped me so much," he added.
"That's why I'm still smiling - because the first six months were difficult, but at the same time, it was a good moment to learn.
"After playing the final of the Champions League and the final of the Europa League, you think you are the best – life gives you an opportunity to learn and says, 'You are never too big'.
"You can have a good season, next year you have a bad season, but the year after an amazing season. The ups and downs and being here, you have to deal with them – especially being a goalkeeper."
Liverpool confirm Slot as Klopp's replacement
Liverpool have confirmed Arne Slot will succeed Jurgen Klopp as their new head coach.
Klopp's glorious nine-year spell with the Reds came to an end on Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Wolves, after which the German sang Slot's name to the Anfield crowd.
Slot had previously confirmed he would be taking over, and Liverpool have now formally announced the news.
The Dutchman will officially take charge from June 1, subject to receiving a work permit.
Slot leaves the Netherlands after three highly successful seasons with Feyenoord, during which he led them to the league title in 2023 and was named Eredivisie Manager of the Year on two occasions.
More recently, he led the Rotterdam giants to KNVB Cup glory in April, overseeing a 1-0 win over NEC Nijmegen in the final of that competition.
Feyenoord rounded off their Eredivisie campaign with a 4-0 victory over neighbours Excelsior on Sunday, as they finished second, seven points adrift of runaway champions PSV.
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