Sunderland boss Steve Bruce believes that getting "crucified" will only make him more determined to prove his doubters wrong.
The Black Cats have won just twice this term and are only two points clear of third-from-bottom Bolton.
"Even though the dark times when you are getting crucified, there is something in me which is telling me 'I am going to show them'.
"I just hope we can win this weekend, win the next game and everyone will ask what the problem was."
Sunderland could move into the top half of the table with victory over Wigan on Saturday afternoon.
