Wigan Athletic captain Mario Melchiot says the players must accept responsibility for the sacking of manager Chris Hutchings this week.

Melchiot, 31, said: "It is a disappointment for the group. You work with the manager for four months and a lot happens in that time.

"Sometimes things did not work as well as we wanted them to, so that is why everyone should take the blame for the situation.

"It should always be a group thing. He was not on his own.

"Anyone involved in building up this club and the team is responsible for what has happened."

Melchiot is bullish about Wigan's chances of getting away from the foot of the table and retaining their Barclays Premier League status.

"Of course we can. If you think differently there would be no point in turning up for training anymore," said the Dutch defender, who arrived from Rennes in the summer.

"We have to try to dig ourselves out of this situation. We need to stay close to each other, keep the spirit going and work as hard as we can.

"It would help if the people who come and watch us play support us as they have been doing. It is important in times like these to stick together."